Joseph Lynch Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Joseph Lynch Pond Dam, located in Cochecton Center, New York, stands as a vital structure along the Ten Mile River, serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1962.


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Summary

This privately-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and stretches 100 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet and a surface area of 15 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is not currently rated for condition assessment, posing a high risk level.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with regulations. While lacking a spillway, the dam's design and purpose cater to recreational activities, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a maximum discharge capacity of 96 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the river and maintaining the ecosystem's balance.

Although the dam's risk assessment is deemed high, with a DSAC assigned date pending, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and recreational infrastructure development. As climate change continues to impact water resources, monitoring and maintaining structures like Joseph Lynch Pond Dam become essential to safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TEN MILE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

190

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.