Stillwell, also known as Stilwell Lake, is a concrete gravity dam located in the Town of Highlands, Orange County, New York.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1948 by the US Army, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction but also supports fish and wildlife pond management, recreation, and water supply purposes. Standing at a height of 62 feet and spanning 480 feet in length, Stillwell has a storage capacity of 4,038 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 133 acres, with a drainage area of 12 square miles.
Managed by the US Army, Stillwell is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and undergoes regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. With a controlled spillway width of 200 feet and high hazard potential, the dam is classified as very high risk (Category 1). Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, the condition assessment of Stillwell is currently not available, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water resource infrastructure.
Located in the Highlands Range Area U1, Stillwell is a key feature on the Popolopen Creek, under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. As a vital component of water resource management in the region, Stillwell demonstrates the intersection of federal, state, and local agencies in safeguarding water supply, flood protection, and environmental conservation efforts in New York State.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
62 |
River Or Stream |
Popolopen Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
133 |
Hydraulic Height |
62 |
Drainage Area |
12 |
Nid Storage |
4038 |
Structural Height |
62 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate), Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
62 |