Waldens Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Waldens Pond Dam in Karlsfeld, New York, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR-BLACKHOUSE CREEK.


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Summary

Completed in 1991, this earth dam stands at 26 feet tall and spans a length of 1050 feet, with a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities in the area.

Owned and regulated by the NYS DEC, Waldens Pond Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the most recent assessment in April 2019 indicating a poor condition. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a controlled spillway and an uncontrolled spillway width of 59 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area.

Located in Albany County, Waldens Pond Dam is monitored for its structural integrity and overall performance to ensure it continues to effectively reduce flood risks and safeguard the environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam represents a key infrastructure piece in the region's water management system, providing both practical flood protection and recreational opportunities for the community.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-BLACKHOUSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.56

Nid Storage

104

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.