Carpenter Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Carpenter Pond Dam, located in Quaker Ridge, New York, is a masonry-type dam built in 1925 with a height of 16 feet and a length of 156 feet.


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Summary

It serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage, with a maximum capacity of 16 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 5 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Sheldrake River and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC).

Despite its age and historical significance, Carpenter Pond Dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2020 revealed the need for improvements, and the dam is scheduled for regular inspections every four years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks and ensure public safety.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Carpenter Pond Dam a fascinating example of early dam construction in New York State. Its location on the Sheldrake River and its role in flood control make it a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region. However, the dam's poor condition and significant hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

156

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

SHELDRAKE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

1

Nid Storage

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.