Merriewold Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Merriewold Lake Dam, located in Orange County, New York, is a significant earth dam completed in 1953 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 50 feet and a length of 380 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet and has a normal storage level of 78 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Satterly Creek and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The dam has a spillway width of 49 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1470 cubic feet per second. It is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in December 2020. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, it is considered to have a moderate risk level according to the risk assessment.

Despite its age, Merriewold Lake Dam remains a key structure for water resource management in the area, offering recreational opportunities and important flood control measures. Its location in a picturesque setting makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Merriewold Lake Dam only grows in significance for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

SATTERLY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

3.71

Nid Storage

96

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

50
       
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.