Lapp Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lapp Pond Dam, also known as the Chesnut Ridge Rod & Gun Club, is a private dam located in South Dover, New York.


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Summary

Built in 1932, this masonry dam stands at a height of 6.5 feet and spans 325 feet in length, creating a surface area of 36 acres. Situated on Cooperstown Brook, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Lapp Pond Dam undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite being uncontrolled, the dam boasts a spillway width of 16 feet to manage water flow. The surrounding area of Dutchess County, New York, benefits from the recreational opportunities provided by the dam, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate its contribution to the local ecosystem.

As one of the essential structures in the region, Lapp Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water management and environmental preservation. Its historical significance, combined with its recreational value, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like this to safeguard the surrounding communities and natural habitats. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lapp Pond Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

325

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

Cooperstown Brook

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

36

Drainage Area

1.62

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

7
       
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.