Wager Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Wager Dam, also known as Wager Pond, is a private-owned structure located in Rensselaer, New York, specifically in the city of Ives Corner.
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Summary
This concrete dam, completed in 1939, serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 58 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 590 acre-feet. Situated on Bonesteel Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
With a height of 19 feet and a length of 105 feet, Wager Dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 68 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1060 cubic feet per second. The dam provides vital water resource management for the local area, with a drainage area of 6.5 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 410 acre-feet. While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the risk assessment for Wager Dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, with risk management measures potentially in place to address any identified concerns.
Overall, Wager Dam serves as a key recreational and water resource asset in the region, offering a serene pond environment for visitors to enjoy. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1930s, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water flow and storage capacity in the area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory aspects of Wager Dam, as well as the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
105 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
BONESTEEL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
58 |
Drainage Area |
6.5 |
Nid Storage |
590 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hudson River At Green Island Ny
|
3650cfs |
Hudson River At Lock 1 Near Waterford Ny
|
4430cfs |
Hudson R Above Lock 1 Nr Waterford Ny
|
4840cfs |
Mohawk River At Cohoes Ny
|
2440cfs |
Valatie Kill Near Nassau Ny
|
24cfs |
Green River At Williamstown
|
31cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Wager Dam