Washington Lake Dam

SILVER STREAM· Orange, New York· Built 1909· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Washington Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 78.3% in NY)
Dam Length2,300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.3K acre-ft
Surface Area166 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDNY00603

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: October 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF NEWBURGH

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Washington Lake Dam?

Washington Lake 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 Washington Lake Dam?

Washington Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF NEWBURGH (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Washington Lake Dam built?

Washington Lake Dam was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Washington Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Washington Lake Dam?

Washington Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Washington Lake Dam last inspected?

Washington Lake Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2017. 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.