Whitney Point Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitney Point Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 95 ft (taller than 98% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 4,900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 176.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 255 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 75,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1942 (84 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01055 |
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
USACE - Baltimore District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitney Point Dam?
Whitney Point 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 Whitney Point Dam?
Whitney Point Dam is owned by USACE - Baltimore District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitney Point Dam built?
Whitney Point Dam was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Whitney Point Dam?
Whitney Point Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whitney Point Dam?
Whitney Point Dam has a dam height of 95 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 Whitney Point Dam last inspected?
Whitney Point Dam was last inspected on May 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.