Richard Fletcher Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Richard Fletcher Pond Dam in Indian Lake, New York, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 235 feet in length, with a primary purpose of recreation. It impounds Mill Brook, creating a surface area of 30 acres and a storage capacity of 423 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational value, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in May 2019. With a moderate risk rating, it undergoes inspections every four years to ensure public safety. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, and the dam's drainage area is relatively small at 2 square miles. The surrounding area, located in Hamilton County, New York, is a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts to observe the impact of the dam on the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

MILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

423

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.