Taconic Acres Inc Rec Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Taconic Acres INC Rec Pond Dam, located in East Chatham, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1971 for recreational purposes along the TR-STONY KILL river.


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Summary

Standing at 17 feet high and with a length of 450 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities. The dam has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating the need for careful monitoring and maintenance.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its last inspection dating back to 1996 and a current condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam's overall risk management measures are classified as moderate. With an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 525 cubic feet per second, the dam's design and structure are geared towards providing recreational opportunities while minimizing potential risks to the surrounding area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Taconic Acres INC Rec Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the intersection of human activities, environmental stewardship, and recreational infrastructure. With its location in the beautiful Columbia County, New York, the dam serves as a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts while also highlighting the importance of proper dam management and risk assessment. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, the case of Taconic Acres INC Rec Pond Dam offers valuable insights into balancing recreation with safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-STONY KILL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

135

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.