Baxter Preserve Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Baxter Preserve Pond Dam, also known as Meadow Lake Farm Pond Dam, is a private water resource located in Salem Center, Westchester, New York.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 395 feet, creating a water storage capacity of 105 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering an 8-acre surface area for various water activities.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Baxter Preserve Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state guidelines. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is considered to have moderate risk (level 3) in terms of potential emergencies. Although the condition assessment is not rated, regular inspections are conducted every four years to monitor the dam's integrity and address any potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baxter Preserve Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in a picturesque natural setting. With its historical significance and ecological impact on the Titicus River, this dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure that requires careful monitoring and management to ensure the safety of both the surrounding environment and the local community.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

395

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-TITICUS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.84

Nid Storage

105

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.