Cape Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cape Pond Dam, located in Ellenville, New York, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1914 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 612 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 3,605 acre-feet. Situated on the Beer Kill river, the dam has a significant hazard potential but has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in March 2015.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Cape Pond Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 136 feet and has a drainage area of 19.25 square miles. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment have not been updated recently, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.
Overall, Cape Pond Dam serves as a key recreational resource in Ulster County, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. With its historical significance and ecological importance, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to work together to ensure the continued safety and functionality of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
612 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
BEER KILL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
230 |
Drainage Area |
19.25 |
Nid Storage |
3605 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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