Student Prince Restaurant Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Student Prince Restaurant Pond Dam, located in South Berne, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1964 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 20 feet and spanning 900 feet in length, this dam provides a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet with a normal storage of 40 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-SWITZ KILL river, this dam has a low hazard potential and is currently not rated for condition assessment.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. While it has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet, the dam is categorized as having a moderate risk level. Despite being last inspected in 1980, this dam continues to serve its recreational purpose effectively with a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 0.08 square miles.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Student Prince Restaurant Pond Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human recreation and environmental management. As a vital piece of infrastructure in Albany County, this dam stands as a testament to the careful balance required to sustainably utilize water resources for public enjoyment while ensuring the safety and integrity of surrounding ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a valuable case study for understanding the complexities of water resource management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SWITZ KILL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.