Clinton Heights Storage Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Located in Clinton Heights, New York, the Clinton Heights Storage Dam, also known as the Clinton Heights Reservoir, is a private earth dam completed in 1925.


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Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a length of 208 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet. The dam sits on the TR-Hudson River and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 4 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 90 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), indicating a moderate level of risk associated with the structure. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in April 2003, with no specific inspection frequency provided.

Overall, the Clinton Heights Storage Dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is an important component of the local water resource infrastructure in Rensselaer County. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in the historical significance and engineering features of this privately-owned dam, which plays a critical role in water storage and management in the region.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

208

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-HUDSON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.