Cold Brook Reservoir Dam

COLD BROOK· Fulton, New York· Built 1878· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1878 and is 148 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length135 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6 acre-ft
Normal Storage5 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Year Completed1878 (148 years old)
NID IDNY12843

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: January 4, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

CITY OF JOHNSTOWN WATER BOARD

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF JOHNSTOWN WATER BOARD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cold Brook Reservoir Dam built?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1878, making it 148 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cold Brook Reservoir Dam?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Cold Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Cold Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on January 4, 2019. 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.