Cortlandt Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cortlandt Lake Dam, located in Cortlandt, New York, is a concrete structure completed in 1929 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 37 feet and stretching 225 feet in length, the dam overlooks the picturesque Sprout Brook and offers a surface area of 17 acres for visitors to enjoy. With a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 6700 cubic feet per second, the dam provides both a serene environment for recreational activities and essential flood protection for the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Cortlandt Lake Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. The dam has a history of regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in November 2020, and a designated emergency action plan in place. Despite its moderate risk assessment, measures for risk management and potential inundation maps are yet to be developed. As a significant landmark in the region, Cortlandt Lake Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the community while also offering a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates alike.

Overall, Cortlandt Lake Dam stands as a symbol of both natural beauty and engineering prowess, showcasing the harmonious balance between water resource management and recreational activities. As climate change continues to impact our planet, the importance of sustainable infrastructure like Cortlandt Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident. By prioritizing regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness, this historic dam serves as a key example of how effective water resource management can both support local communities and protect the environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

SPROUT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

15.15

Nid Storage

244

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.