Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crystal Lake Dam, located in Dutchess County, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2015 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 12 feet and spanning a length of 290 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 26.7 acre-feet and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area. However, despite its importance for recreation, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. It is situated on an unnamed tributary to Lake Dutchess and is regulated at the state level, with a spillway type identified as uncontrolled. The dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate, indicating the need for continued risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the dam's structural integrity.

In light of its critical role in water resource management and recreation, Crystal Lake Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its location, design, and operational status present a compelling case study for understanding the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental regulations, and risk assessment in the context of maintaining sustainable water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

2015

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

unnamed trib to lake Dutchess

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

26.7

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.