Howlands Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howlands Lake Dam, located in Mt Kisco, New York, is a stone dam built in 1895 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a length of 67 feet, with a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet and a surface area of 26 acres. It is situated along the Kisco River and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its historical significance, Howlands Lake Dam is currently in poor condition and has a significant hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam underwent its last inspection in June 2018, with a frequency of every 3 years, revealing the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management strategies are crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, the deteriorating condition of Howlands Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and risk management for aging infrastructure. With its unique design and historical significance, efforts must be made to address its poor condition and implement necessary measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of this recreational structure along the Kisco River.

Year Completed

1895

Dam Length

67

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

KISCO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

26

Nid Storage

184

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.