Wanaksink Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Wanaksink Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1852 and is 174 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 325 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 325 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1852 (174 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00330 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
WANAKSINK LAKE CLUB, INC.
Private
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Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wanaksink Lake Dam?
Wanaksink Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Wanaksink Lake Dam?
Wanaksink Lake Dam is owned by WANAKSINK LAKE CLUB, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wanaksink Lake Dam built?
Wanaksink Lake Dam was completed in 1852, making it 174 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 Wanaksink Lake Dam?
Wanaksink Lake 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 Wanaksink Lake Dam?
Wanaksink Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Wanaksink Lake Dam last inspected?
Wanaksink Lake Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.