Bradford Dam

MUD CREEK· Steuben, New York· Built 1950· Earth· 13 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Bradford Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 29.9% in NY)
Dam Length183 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage74.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage60.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,200 acres
Drainage Area45 sq mi
Max Discharge1,116 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDNY00674

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 13, 1997
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC & GAS CORPORATION

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bradford Dam?

Bradford Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bradford Dam?

Bradford Dam is owned by NEW YORK STATE ELECTRIC & GAS CORPORATION (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bradford Dam built?

Bradford Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Bradford Dam?

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

How tall is Bradford Dam?

Bradford Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Bradford Dam last inspected?

Bradford Dam was last inspected on August 13, 1997. 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.