Ephratah Dam

CAROGA CREEK· Fulton, New York· Built 1980· Earth· 65 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Ephratah Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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	65 ft (taller than 95.6% in NY)
Dam Length	760 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	750 acre-ft
Normal Storage	600 acre-ft

Surface Area	30 acres
Drainage Area	52 sq mi
Max Discharge	4,860 cfs
Year Completed	1980 (46 years old)
NID ID	NY00178

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: December 7, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable

Private

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Rockwood Power Dam

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Yauney Reservoir Dam

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Fort Plain Reservoir Dam

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Cork Center Storage Reservoir Dam

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Newkirk Pond Dam

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Hillabrandt Vly Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ephratah Dam?

Ephratah 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 Ephratah Dam?

Ephratah Dam is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ephratah Dam built?

Ephratah Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Ephratah Dam?

Ephratah 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 Ephratah Dam?

Ephratah Dam has a dam height of 65 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 Ephratah Dam last inspected?

Ephratah Dam was last inspected on December 7, 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.