Cargill Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cargill Reservoir Dam, located in North Highland, Putnam County, New York, is a crucial structure owned and regulated by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth-fill dam, completed in 1931, stands at a height of 75 feet and spans 650 feet, with a storage capacity of 648 acre-feet. The reservoir primarily serves as a water source for the surrounding area, with a normal storage level of 505 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2400 cubic feet per second.

Despite its high hazard potential, Cargill Reservoir Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020. The dam is overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and is subject to regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is expected to meet guidelines, ensuring proper risk management measures and emergency contacts are in place to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding community.

Overall, Cargill Reservoir Dam plays a critical role in water resource management for the region, with its infrastructure and operational protocols aligning with state regulatory standards. By maintaining a balance between water supply needs and safety measures, the dam contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources in the area while minimizing potential risks associated with its high hazard potential.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

CARGILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

0.75

Nid Storage

648

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

75
       
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.