West Branch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Branch Dam, also known as Carmel Dam, is a crucial water supply infrastructure located in Crafts, Putnam County, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1895, this earth-type dam stands at 85 feet high and spans 1,795 feet across the West Branch Croton River. With a storage capacity of 42,300 acre-feet and a drainage area of 42.87 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in supplying water to the surrounding region.

Maintained and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, West Branch Dam is considered to have a high hazard potential due to its location and size. Despite this, the dam has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2016, with regular inspections and emergency action plans in place to ensure safety. With a maximum discharge capacity of 36,000 cubic feet per second and a controlled spillway width of 260 feet, the dam is well-equipped to manage water flow and mitigate potential risks.

As a key water supply infrastructure in the region, West Branch Dam serves as a critical resource for the community while also posing challenges in terms of risk management and maintenance. With a history dating back over a century, the dam continues to play a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area, underlining the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

1795

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH CROTON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1083

Drainage Area

42.87

Nid Storage

42300

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

85
       
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.