Leland Ryder Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Leland Ryder Lake Dam, also known as Black Pond, is a private water resource structure located in Meads Corners, Putnam County, New York.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this earth dam stands at 21 feet in height and spans 220 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 180 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 26 acres for various water activities.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Leland Ryder Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated as of the last inspection in May 2012. The spillway type is listed as uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet, and the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 480 cubic feet per second.

While the risk assessment for Leland Ryder Lake Dam is moderate, with a score of 3 out of 5, there are currently no emergency action plans prepared or guidelines met for potential incidents. With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, the dam serves as both a functional water resource structure and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

BLACK POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

1.91

Nid Storage

180

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.