Little Dam Lake Dam
Little Dam Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Orange County, New York, built in 1897. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Little Dam Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Little Dam Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nysoprhp - Palisades Interstate Park Commission (state). It impounds the Tr-ramapo River near Southfields.
The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 465 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 36 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 191 acre-feet. Completed in 1897, 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 03/18/2024.
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 | Orange |
| Nearest City | Southfields |
| River/Stream | Tr-ramapo River |
| Coordinates | 41.26306, -74.18694 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Length | 465 ft |
| Year Completed | 1897 (129 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 191 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 191 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 36 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | NYSOPRHP - PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK COMMISSION |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY01453 |
| Federal ID | NY01453 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |