Delta Dam

MOHAWK RIVER· Oneida, New York· Built 1912· Concrete· 106 ft tall
High Hazard Navigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Delta Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is navigation. 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 106 ft (taller than 98.7% in NY)
Dam Length1,000 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage87.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage55.3K acre-ft
Surface Area2,482 acres
Drainage Area148 sq mi
Max Discharge21,600 cfs
Year Completed1912 (114 years old)
NID IDNY00006

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: August 16, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Delta Dam?

Delta Dam 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 Delta Dam?

Delta Dam is owned by New York State Canal Corporation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Delta Dam built?

Delta Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Delta Dam?

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

How tall is Delta Dam?

Delta Dam has a dam height of 106 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 Delta Dam last inspected?

Delta Dam was last inspected on August 16, 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.