Smith Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Smith Pond Dam, located in Morey Park, Rensselaer, New York, is a privately owned concrete structure completed in 1939 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1000 cubic feet per second. Despite being deemed low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition has not been formally rated, and its last inspection dates back to April 2003.

Managed by the NYS DEC, Smith Pond Dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 30 feet, serving the TR-NASSAU LAKE river or stream. The dam's purpose primarily caters to recreation, offering a surface area of 10 acres and normal storage of 40 acre-feet for outdoor enthusiasts. The area's congressman, Antonio Delgado, represents the district and overlooks the dam's operations, inspections, and enforcement, ensuring compliance with state regulations for safety and environmental protection. As a significant water resource in the region, Smith Pond Dam plays a vital role in local water management and conservation efforts in the picturesque setting of Morey Park.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-NASSAU LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.