South Westchester Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
South Westchester Detention Basin Dam, located in Yonkers, New York, was completed in 1978 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the TR-Hudson River.
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Summary
This private dam stands at 7 feet tall and stretches 110 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 11 acre-feet. Despite its important role in mitigating flood risks in the area, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition and poses a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the South Westchester Detention Basin Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 433 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. However, its poor condition and significant hazard potential highlight the need for urgent maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and resilience of the structure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is vital to recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing infrastructure like the South Westchester Detention Basin Dam to adapt to the changing climate and protect communities from the increasing risks of flooding. By addressing the poor condition of the dam and implementing effective risk management measures, we can ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region for years to come.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
110 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
TR-HUDSON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
7 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
South Westchester Detention Basin Dam