Willow Brook Dam

TR-MERRIEWOLD LAKE· Orange, New York· Built 1924· Earth· 20 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Willow Brook Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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	20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam Length	550 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	995 acre-ft
Normal Storage	585 acre-ft

Surface Area	76 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Max Discharge	935 cfs
Year Completed	1924 (102 years old)
NID ID	NY00035

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: July 30, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES INC

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Weyants Pond

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Low Hazard 10 ft

Monroe Recreation Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 14 ft

Merriewold Lake Dam

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Significant Hazard 50 ft

Lake Hildegarde Dam

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Significant Hazard 10 ft

Walton Lake Dam

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Significant Hazard 8 ft

Sky View Pond Dam

Orange, NY

Significant Hazard 24 ft

Stuts Dam

Orange, NY

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Monroe Reservoir Dam

Orange, NY

Low Hazard 8 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Willow Brook Dam?

Willow Brook 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 Willow Brook Dam?

Willow Brook Dam is owned by ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES INC (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Willow Brook Dam built?

Willow Brook Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Willow Brook Dam?

Willow Brook 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 Willow Brook Dam?

Willow Brook Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Willow Brook Dam last inspected?

Willow Brook Dam was last inspected on July 30, 2019. 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.