Ed Pylkas Dam

DEAN CREEK· Tioga, New York· Built 1955· Earth· 37 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Ed Pylkas Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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	37 ft (taller than 86.3% in NY)
Dam Length	420 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	206 acre-ft
Normal Storage	12 acre-ft

Surface Area	2 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	2,125 cfs
Year Completed	1955 (71 years old)
NID ID	NY00355

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: October 27, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TIOGA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ed Pylkas Dam?

Ed Pylkas 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 Ed Pylkas Dam?

Ed Pylkas Dam is owned by TIOGA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ed Pylkas Dam built?

Ed Pylkas Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Ed Pylkas Dam?

Ed Pylkas Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ed Pylkas Dam?

Ed Pylkas Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Ed Pylkas Dam last inspected?

Ed Pylkas Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2020. 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.