Braendly Fishkill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Nestled in the picturesque town of Beacon, New York, the Braendly Fishkill Dam stands as a crucial structure on the Fishkill Creek.


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Summary

This private masonry dam, with a height of 18 feet and a length of 126 feet, serves various purposes with a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

The dam's controlled spillway type and maximum discharge capacity of 2,893 cubic feet per second highlight its importance in managing water flow in the region. With a drainage area of 191 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management. However, the dam's condition assessment and risk assessment indicate a need for immediate attention to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Braendly Fishkill Dam provides a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental regulation, and risk management. With its location in Dutchess County and proximity to the Fishkill Creek, this dam serves as a critical piece of the region's water management infrastructure. As efforts continue to address its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the Braendly Fishkill Dam remains a focal point for ongoing discussions on dam safety and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Dam Length

126

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

FISHKILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

191

Nid Storage

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.