Ridgebury Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Ridgebury Lake Dam, located in Orange County, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1920 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 7 feet and has a length of 240 feet, creating a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet for Ridgebury Lake. With a spillway width of 10 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Ridgebury Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with guidelines. The dam overlooks the TR-Catlin Creek and plays a vital role in the recreational activities and water resource management in the area. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its risk management measures are being monitored closely.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Ridgebury Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Its presence not only enhances the recreational opportunities in the region but also highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dam infrastructure for safety and sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-CATLIN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Nid Storage

138

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.