Little Whaley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Whaley Lake Dam, located in West Pawling, New York, serves as a crucial recreational spot in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this private earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 55 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 160 acre-feet, the dam primarily caters to recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 45 acres for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Little Whaley Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width of 3 feet ensures the safe discharge of excess water. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk level of 3, indicating a need for continued monitoring and management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

Although the dam has not been inspected since October 2015, its state-regulated status and compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols offer reassurance to water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a vital component of the TR-WHALEY LAKE STREAM ecosystem, Little Whaley Lake Dam plays a significant role in maintaining water levels and supporting recreational activities in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

55

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-WHALEY LAKE STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

45

Nid Storage

160

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.