Burnt Hope Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Burnt Hope Dam, located in Sullivan, New York, along the TR-MONGAUP RIVER, was completed in 1956 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private Earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 220 feet, providing a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. The dam's controlled spillway with a width of 40 feet ensures safe discharge during peak flows, with a maximum discharge of 960 cubic feet per second.

Despite being rated as a low hazard potential structure, Burnt Hope Dam is not currently assessed for condition. However, its risk assessment is classified as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and the preservation of its recreational function. The dam has not undergone recent modifications or inspections and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) meeting guidelines, highlighting potential areas of improvement for risk management and emergency preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Burnt Hope Dam serves as a significant recreational asset in the region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities while also posing challenges in terms of risk management and emergency response readiness. As a privately owned structure regulated by the NYS DEC, the dam's condition and safety measures warrant closer attention to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of its storage capacity for the community.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-MONGAUP RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Drainage Area

2.11

Nid Storage

300

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.