Furnace Brook Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Located in Chimney Corners, Westchester County, New York, the Furnace Brook Lake Dam stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of Furnace Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1913, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene lake setting for visitors to enjoy. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 430 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Furnace Brook Lake Dam is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Its spillway, measuring 89 feet in width, is of the uncontrolled type, capable of discharging up to 1680 cubic feet per second during peak flow events. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 deemed it satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating of 3.

As a significant landmark in the region, the Furnace Brook Lake Dam not only serves as a recreational hub but also plays a crucial role in water resource management and conservation efforts. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to be a focal point for water and climate enthusiasts alike, showcasing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

FURNACE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Drainage Area

3.54

Nid Storage

285

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.