Melzingah Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Melzingah Dam, located in Dutchess Junction, New York, stands as a vital water resource structure with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Constructed in 1924, this concrete dam boasts a height of 51 feet and a length of 525 feet, providing a storage capacity of 218 acre-feet. The dam, situated on GORDONS BROOK, is under state regulation by the NYS DEC, with inspections and enforcement ensuring its proper functioning.

Despite its key role in water supply, Melzingah Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been rated as poor. Furthermore, the dam's hazard potential is classified as high, signaling the need for heightened risk management measures. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to serve as a critical infrastructure in the region, with a moderate risk level of 3, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and reliability for the community.

As an essential water supply structure in Dutchess County, Melzingah Dam's significance extends beyond its physical attributes to its role in safeguarding water resources for the region. With its rich history dating back nearly a century, the dam stands as a reminder of the intricate relationship between water management, climate resilience, and infrastructure challenges in the face of changing environmental conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities and potential risks associated with structures like Melzingah Dam underscores the importance of proactive stewardship and adaptive management practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

GORDONS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

1.42

Nid Storage

218

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

51
       
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.