Silver Lake Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Silver Lake Reservoir Dam, located in Richmond, New York, was completed in 1917 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 65 feet and spans a length of 4400 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1416 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1673 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the NYS DEC, with a high hazard potential due to its location along the TR-KILL VAN KULL stream.

The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 14 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 77 cubic feet per second. Despite being assessed as satisfactory in condition, the dam is considered to pose a very high risk (level 1) according to the risk assessment. Emergency action plans have been prepared for the dam, with the last revision date in January 2021, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place for any potential emergencies.

Owned and maintained by the local government, the Silver Lake Reservoir Dam is a vital structure in the region, providing not only recreational opportunities but also playing a crucial role in water resource management. With its historical significance and importance in the community, the dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, environment, and public safety.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

4400

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

TR-KILL VAN KULL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

57

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

1673

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

65
       
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.