Bowman Ave Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bowman Ave Dam, located in Rye Town, Westchester, New York, is a concrete structure completed in 1941 to reduce flood risk along Blind Brook.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 22 feet with a length of 122 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and a normal storage of 5 acre-feet. It has a controlled spillway with a width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial asset for flood risk reduction in the region.

Despite its important role in flood control, Bowman Ave Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2020 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure the dam's structural integrity and safety. With a very high risk rating, stakeholders are urged to take action to address the dam's condition and implement risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and water resources.

As a locally owned structure regulated by the NYS DEC, Bowman Ave Dam's maintenance and upkeep are essential to its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. Climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates should monitor updates on the dam's condition and support efforts to enhance its resilience to climate impacts and ensure the safety of the community downstream.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

122

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

BLIND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.