Woodlands Lake Dam

SAW MILL RIVER· Westchester, New York· Built 1840· Masonry· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Woodlands Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage87 acre-ft
Normal Storage87 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Year Completed1840 (186 years old)
NID IDNY13574

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: May 31, 2018
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 Woodlands Lake Dam?

Woodlands 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 Woodlands Lake Dam?

Woodlands Lake 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 Woodlands Lake Dam built?

Woodlands Lake Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 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 Woodlands Lake Dam?

Woodlands 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 Woodlands Lake Dam?

Woodlands Lake 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 Woodlands Lake Dam last inspected?

Woodlands Lake Dam was last inspected on May 31, 2018. 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.