Putnam Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Putnam Pond Dam, located in Chilson, New York, is a state-owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation and water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1965, the dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 183 feet. It impounds Putnam Creek, creating a storage capacity of 2996 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 788 acre-feet.

The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The last inspection was conducted in May 2011, with a moderate risk level identified. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 53 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 1080 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam is in compliance with state regulations for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Putnam Pond Dam to be an interesting case study in dam management and risk assessment.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

183

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

PUTNAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

276

Drainage Area

8.2

Nid Storage

2996

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds