Walden is a captivating hydroelectric dam located on the Wallkill River in Walden, New York.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1909, this concrete dam stands at 25 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 32 feet and a structural height of 29 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 255 acre-feet and a drainage area of 497 square miles, Walden serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and hydroelectric power generation.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Walden has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,525 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Walden has not undergone recent condition assessments, but its last inspection in August 2017 deemed it to be in satisfactory condition.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Walden presents a fascinating case study in the sustainable use of water resources for hydropower generation. As a historic structure with a significant impact on the local area, Walden serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible dam management and maintenance in ensuring the safety and reliability of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
417 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Wallkill River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
44 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
497 |
Nid Storage |
255 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
32 |