Macghee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Macghee Dam, also known as East Bend Lake, is a privately owned recreational structure located in Red Oaks Mill, Dutchess County, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 800 feet in length. It serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 2.7 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 10 acre-feet.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Macghee Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its significance in providing recreational opportunities, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated as poor, with a hazard potential categorised as significant. With a moderate risk level, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are still pending.

Located on the TR-Wappinger Creek and falling under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Macghee Dam presents both a picturesque recreational spot and a potential area for improvement in terms of safety and risk mitigation. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues will find interest in exploring the complexities and challenges associated with managing this dam for both recreational and safety purposes.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-WAPPINGER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.7

Drainage Area

0.03

Nid Storage

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.