Highlands Forge Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Highlands Forge Lake Dam, also known as Warm Pond, is a private dam located in Essex County, New York.


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Summary

Built in 1911, this concrete dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 8 feet and a length of 76 feet. It has a storage capacity of 446 acre-feet and a surface area of 134 acres, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Highlands Forge Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected to ensure its safety and proper functioning. Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a very high risk due to its age and condition assessment not yet rated. The spillway width is 5 feet, and the dam is situated along the TR-Lake Champlain river system.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Highlands Forge Lake Dam offers a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and environmental management. As a key feature in the region's recreational landscape, this concrete structure serves as a reminder of our complex relationship with water resources and the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and enjoyment.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

76

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-LAKE CHAMPLAIN

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

134

Nid Storage

446

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds