Mount Beacon Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mount Beacon Reservoir Dam, located in Beacon, New York, is a pivotal structure for water supply purposes in Dutchess County.


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Summary

Completed in 1922, this buttress dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a storage capacity of 606 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 575 acre-feet. The dam spans 350 feet in length and is situated on Dry Brook, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Mount Beacon Reservoir Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. A recent inspection in April 2020 found the dam to be in good standing. With a spillway width of 45 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 210 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to manage potential water flow during periods of high rainfall or flooding.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, the Mount Beacon Reservoir Dam remains a crucial component of the region's water resource infrastructure. In the event of an emergency, the dam is prepared with an Emergency Action Plan, although details of its last revision date are not specified. With its historical significance and practical function, this dam plays a vital role in ensuring water supply stability and management in Dutchess County.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

DRY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

606

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.