Cuddebackville Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Cuddebackville Dam in Orange County, New York, along the Neversink River, was completed in 1915 and primarily serves as a recreational site.


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Summary

The dam, made of concrete, stands at a height of 17 feet and has a length of 560 feet, with a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 296 feet, its hazard potential is rated as low, and its condition remains unrated.

Managed by the local government, the Cuddebackville Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with state inspections and enforcement in place. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with no emergency action plan prepared or updated. Despite its age, the dam continues to offer recreational opportunities and serves as a vital structure in the local water resource management system within the Philadelphia District.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cuddebackville Dam presents an interesting case study of a historic concrete dam in upstate New York. With its picturesque location along the Neversink River and role in providing recreational activities, the dam is a significant landmark in the region. While its risk assessment is moderate, ongoing monitoring and potential future management measures may be needed to ensure the safety and sustainability of this important water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

NEVERSINK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

235

Nid Storage

155

Hazard Potential

Low

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.