Robinson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Robinson Pond Dam in West Copake, New York, is a privately owned structure that serves as a recreational resource along the Roeliff Jansen Kill river.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this concrete dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 80 feet. With a storage capacity of 1208 acre-feet and a surface area of 125 acres, the dam plays a significant role in regulating water flow and providing outdoor leisure activities for the local community.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Robinson Pond Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. In the event of an emergency, an emergency action plan (EAP) is in place to guide response procedures and ensure public safety.

Despite its age, Robinson Pond Dam continues to be a vital part of the local landscape, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. With its controlled spillway and satisfactory condition, the dam serves as a testament to both the engineering ingenuity of its time and the importance of water resource management in mitigating potential risks and ensuring community well-being.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

ROELIFF JANSEN KILL

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

125

Drainage Area

34

Nid Storage

1208

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.