Chadwick Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chadwick Lake Dam in Gardnertown, New York, is a vital earth dam completed in 1926 primarily designed for recreation but also serves as a water supply source.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans a length of 570 feet, creating a storage capacity of 3,840 acre-feet. Situated on Quassaick Creek, the dam's uncontrolled spillway has a width of 175 feet and is capable of handling a maximum discharge of 4,800 cubic feet per second.

Maintained by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Chadwick Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in its condition. Its last inspection in October 2019 revealed a moderate risk level, prompting biennial inspections due to its critical role in the area's water management. Despite its age, the dam continues to uphold its operational integrity, providing essential services for both recreational activities and water supply needs in Orange County.

With a rich history dating back almost a century, Chadwick Lake Dam remains a key infrastructure in the region, ensuring water resource sustainability while offering recreational opportunities for the community. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the dam's role in managing the Quassaick Creek watershed becomes increasingly significant, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard its functionality and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

QUASSAICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

207

Drainage Area

13.25

Nid Storage

3840

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.