Harold Toppel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Harold Toppel Dam, located in Hillsdale, New York, is a private dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1973, the earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and stretches 800 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 219 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-Roeliff Jansen Kill river and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Despite its recreational benefits, Harold Toppel Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam has a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 268 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 1.09 square miles, the dam's surface area covers 18 acres. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Given its current condition and risk level, stakeholders and local authorities must prioritize regular inspections and risk management measures for Harold Toppel Dam. With its location in Columbia County, New York, and its proximity to the Roeliff Jansen Kill river, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. It is essential to address the identified deficiencies and implement necessary improvements to enhance the dam's safety and effectiveness for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-ROELIFF JANSEN KILL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

1.09

Nid Storage

219

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.