Merriman Dam
Merriman Dam is an earth dam located in Ulster County, New York, built in 1945. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Merriman Dam
The primary purpose of Merriman 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 West Of The Hudson River (local government). It impounds the Roundout Creek near Lackawack.
The dam stands 195 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,099 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 202,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 95 square miles. Completed in 1945, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 10/11/2024.
At 195 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 | Ulster |
| Nearest City | Lackawack |
| River/Stream | Roundout Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.79917, -74.43278 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 195 ft |
| Dam Height | 195 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 202,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 202,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 153,633 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,099 acres |
| Drainage Area | 95 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 180,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00074 |
| Federal ID | NY00074 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |