Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, located in Schultzville, New York, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 6 feet and stretches 174 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes with a storage capacity of 250 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-Little Wappinger Creek, has a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition.

Despite its recreational focus, Silver Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its condition and potential for significant consequences in case of failure. The dam is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency, with the last assessment conducted in November 2020. The dam's spillway is of the controlled type, with a width of 4 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 48 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, the dam's risk assessment is marked as very high, emphasizing the need for effective risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

In light of its condition and risk level, the future of Silver Lake Dam will likely involve increased monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its location in a densely populated area of Dutchess County, New York, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Silver Lake Dam will be vital in safeguarding communities and ecosystems in the region.

Dam Length

174

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE WAPPINGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

102

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

250

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

6
       
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.