Middle Branch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Middle Branch Dam, located in Croton Falls, New York, is a critical infrastructure managed by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth-type dam, completed in 1878, stands at a towering height of 95 feet and spans a length of 615 feet. With a storage capacity of 16,150 acre-feet and a drainage area of 21.31 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the Middle Branch Croton River.

The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 100 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 8,910 cubic feet per second, mitigating flood risks in the surrounding area. Despite its high hazard potential, Middle Branch Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of November 2018. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one carried out in March 2020, to ensure the dam's structural integrity and functionality. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Middle Branch Dam continues to be a key component of water resource management in Putnam County, New York.

Year Completed

1878

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

95

River Or Stream

MIDDLE BRANCH CROTON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

428

Drainage Area

21.31

Nid Storage

16150

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

95
       
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.