South Lake Dam (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Lake Dam (Lower) in Ludingtonville, Putnam County, New York, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1921, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 290 feet, providing a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the TR-STUMP POND STREAM and has a surface area of 6 acres, serving a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, South Lake Dam (Lower) poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam's last inspection in November 2020 revealed its poor state, prompting a risk assessment rating of moderate (3). The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 3 feet, raising concerns about its ability to manage flood events effectively.

With the State of New York's regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement, efforts are being made to address the dam's condition and ensure public safety. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental management may find South Lake Dam (Lower) to be a compelling case study on the importance of maintaining and managing dams for both recreational and safety purposes in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-STUMP POND STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.