Rock City Saw Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rock City Saw Mill Dam, located in Rock City, New York, was completed in 1900 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This masonry dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 86 feet, with a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.14 square miles. The dam, situated on the TR-LAKES KILL stream, is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its historical significance, Rock City Saw Mill Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of 2008. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 45 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 135 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are currently unknown, highlighting potential gaps in emergency preparedness and risk mitigation strategies. With a recent inspection in June 2020 and a moderate risk rating, stakeholders may need to address the dam's condition and safety measures to ensure the protection of downstream communities and the environment.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts in the Dutchess County area may find Rock City Saw Mill Dam an intriguing structure given its historical significance, recreational value, and regulatory oversight by the NYS DEC. The dam's location on the TR-LAKES KILL stream, along with its structural features and hazard potential, present a complex interplay of factors that warrant ongoing monitoring and potential risk management actions. As discussions around dam safety and climate resilience continue, the case of Rock City Saw Mill Dam provides a compelling example of the intersection between historical infrastructure, environmental protection, and public safety in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

86

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-LAKES KILL

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

1.2

Drainage Area

6.14

Nid Storage

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.