Kinderhook Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Kinderhook Lake Dam, located in Valatie, New York, is a private-owned concrete structure completed in 1886 along the Valatie Kill river.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 18 feet and a length of 230 feet, it serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation and other activities, with a storage capacity of 5,105 acre-feet and a surface area of 350 acres.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Kinderhook Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite being not-rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway, with a width of 53 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, can handle a maximum discharge of 550 cubic feet per second.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Kinderhook Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of natural beauty and human engineering. With its historical significance and recreational value, this dam on the Valatie Kill river stands as a testament to responsible water management and environmental stewardship in Columbia County, New York.

Year Completed

1886

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

VALATIE KILL

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

350

Drainage Area

18.41

Nid Storage

5105

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.