Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam

WAMPUS RIVER· Westchester, New York· Built 1940· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 12.4% in NY)
Dam Length65 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage180 acre-ft
Normal Storage140 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Max Discharge68 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDNY01332

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPT OF PARKS & RECREATION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam is owned by WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPT OF PARKS & RECREATION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam built?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Wampus Lake Reservoir Dam was last inspected on December 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.