Edwards Falls Dam

LIMESTONE CREEK· Onondaga, New York· Built 1898· Masonry· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Edwards Falls Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 68.1% in NY)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage40 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area46 sq mi
Max Discharge3,500 cfs
Year Completed1898 (128 years old)
NID IDNY01419

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: June 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Central New York Land Trust;David C. Muraco

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Edwards Falls Dam?

Edwards Falls 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 Edwards Falls Dam?

Edwards Falls Dam is owned by Central New York Land Trust;David C. Muraco (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Edwards Falls Dam built?

Edwards Falls Dam was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 Edwards Falls Dam?

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

How tall is Edwards Falls Dam?

Edwards Falls Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Edwards Falls Dam last inspected?

Edwards Falls Dam was last inspected on June 10, 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.