Pell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pell Lake Dam, located in Dover Furnace, New York, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this concrete dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 84 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and is situated on the Coopertown Brook, within Dutchess County.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Pell Lake Dam is regulated by the NYS DEC and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures. Its spillway, with a width of 10 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 25 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, but it is deemed to have a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

While Pell Lake Dam does not have associated locks or outlet gates, its location and design make it a significant feature in the local water resource management system. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of this dam's structure, purpose, and risk profile provides valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region and the importance of maintaining infrastructure for both recreational and safety purposes.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

84

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

COOPERTOWN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.