Kensico Dam
Kensico Dam is a concrete dam located in Westchester County, New York, built in 1916. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kensico Dam
The primary purpose of Kensico 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 Bronx River near White Plains.
The dam stands 168 feet tall and stretches 1,843 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,218 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 116,560 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1916, 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 01/26/2024.
At 168 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Westchester |
| Nearest City | White Plains |
| River/Stream | Bronx River |
| Coordinates | 41.07333, -73.76611 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 168 ft |
| Dam Height | 168 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,843 ft |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 116,560 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 116,560 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 93,780 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,218 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,500 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 | 01/26/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00051 |
| Federal ID | NY00051 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |