Borden Estate Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Walden Pond Dam Walden
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Borden Estate Dam, located in Walden, New York, was completed in 1912 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and serving as a small fish pond.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 696 feet, has a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 20 acres. It is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and is considered to have a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment.
Despite its age, Borden Estate Dam continues to play a vital role in the local water resource management, providing not only storage for fire protection and recreational purposes but also serving as a habitat for small fish. However, its poor condition assessment raises concerns about its long-term safety and effectiveness. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the dam's integrity and the safety of the surrounding community.
As a privately owned structure, Borden Estate Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to uphold safety standards. With its location on Borden Brook in Orange County, New York, the dam contributes to the local ecosystem while also posing potential risks that must be carefully managed. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find Borden Estate Dam to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
696 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BORDEN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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