Earl Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Earl Reservoir Dam, located in Highland Mills, New York, was completed in 1912 and serves as a vital recreational resource for the local community.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 460 feet, with a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet. Overlooking the TR-Woodbury Creek, the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering visitors a serene and scenic spot to enjoy water-based activities.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC, Earl Reservoir Dam is considered to have a high hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 110 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1928 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years and is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and stability.

With its historic significance and role in providing recreational opportunities, Earl Reservoir Dam stands as a symbol of the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam's engineering marvel and natural beauty, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-WOODBURY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.