Wappingers Falls

About Wappingers Falls

The primary purpose of Wappingers Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Village Of Wappingers Falls, Ny (local government). It impounds the Wappinger Creek near Wappingers Falls.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 245 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 100 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 200 square miles. Completed in 1872, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

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 05/09/2022.

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.

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