R M Weiss Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

R M Weiss Dam, located in Pleasant Valley, New York, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 350 feet, with a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-WAPPINGER CREEK, the dam is regulated by the NYS DEC and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.

Despite its recreational focus, R M Weiss Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. With a very high risk rating, emergency preparedness and risk management measures are crucial for this structure. The dam has a controlled spillway type with a width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 350 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the R M Weiss Dam offers a unique case study in the management and upkeep of a privately owned recreational dam. With its close proximity to the city and significant hazard potential, this structure serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment in ensuring the safety of both the dam and the surrounding community. As efforts continue to address its poor condition and high risk rating, the R M Weiss Dam stands as a critical example of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR-WAPPINGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

184

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
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.