French Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

French Lake Dam, located in Gaylordsville Ct, New York, stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of Deuel Hollow Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1934, this earth dam spans 560 feet in length and reaches a height of 17 feet, providing a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a surface area of 8.3 acres for outdoor activities, while also serving as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by private ownership and regulated by the NYS DEC, French Lake Dam undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet, capable of discharging up to 50 cubic feet per second during peak flow events. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk assessment remains moderate, emphasizing the importance of implementing risk management measures to safeguard against any potential hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, French Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam engineering and regulatory oversight within the scenic landscape of Dutchess County, New York.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

DEUEL HOLLOW BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.3

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.