Middle Branch Dam
Middle Branch Dam is an earth dam located in Putnam County, New York, built in 1878. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Middle Branch Dam
The primary purpose of Middle Branch Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Nycdep Dams East Of The Hudson River (local government). It impounds the Middle Branch Croton River near Croton Falls.
The dam stands 95 feet tall and stretches 615 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 428 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 16,150 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 21 square miles. Completed in 1878, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/07/2024.
At 95 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Putnam |
| Nearest City | Croton Falls |
| River/Stream | Middle Branch Croton River |
| Coordinates | 41.39000, -73.64917 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Length | 615 ft |
| Year Completed | 1878 (148 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 16,150 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 16,150 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 428 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,910 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | NYCDEP DAMS EAST OF THE HUDSON RIVER |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/07/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00034 |
| Federal ID | NY00034 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |