Blenheim - Gilboa Lower

Schoharie Creek· Schoharie, New York· Built 1974· Earth· 100 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 100 ft (taller than 98.2% in NY)
Dam Length1,810 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage16.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage16.3K acre-ft
Surface Area430 acres
Drainage Area356 sq mi
Max Discharge179,700 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDNY00692

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 24, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

New York Power Authority

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blenheim - Gilboa Lower?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Blenheim - Gilboa Lower?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower is owned by New York Power Authority (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blenheim - Gilboa Lower built?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower was completed in 1974, making it 52 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Blenheim - Gilboa Lower?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Blenheim - Gilboa Lower?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower has a dam height of 100 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Blenheim - Gilboa Lower last inspected?

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower was last inspected on May 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.