Tamarack Swamp Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tamarack Swamp Dam, also known as F H Bontecou Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Stanfordville, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this earth dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the TR-WAPPINGER CREEK, within Dutchess County. With a height of 14 feet and a length of 1130 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 710 acre-feet and a surface area of 133 acres.

Although the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a high risk level due to its condition being "Not Rated." The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the dam, ensuring it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The primary purpose of Tamarack Swamp Dam is flood risk reduction, but it also serves purposes such as fire protection, irrigation, and creating a small fish pond.

Despite not having a spillway, the dam has a spillway width of 65 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1560 cubic feet per second. As of the last inspection conducted in March 2010, the dam's condition assessment is "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and other purposes.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

1130

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-WAPPINGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

133

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

710

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.