Whaley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Whaley Lake Dam, located in West Pawling, New York, holds back the waters of Whaley Lake Stream for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1850, stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 330 feet. With a storage capacity of 4854 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 3559 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 259 acres and drains a 3.67 square mile watershed. The spillway, with a width of 30 feet, is uncontrolled, posing a high hazard potential.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC, Whaley Lake Dam underwent its last inspection in August 2019, with a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk rating, emergency action plans and risk management measures are not explicitly detailed in the available data. Positioned within the Dutchess County, New York, the dam serves as a crucial recreational resource while also contributing to the local hydrological landscape. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Whaley Lake Dam presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure and management.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

WHALEY LAKE STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

259

Drainage Area

3.67

Nid Storage

4854

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.