Gilboa Dam

SCHOHARIE CREEK· Schoharie, New York· Built 1926· Concrete· 183 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gilboa Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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	183 ft (taller than 99.7% in NY)
Dam Length	2,273 ft
Dam Type	Concrete
Max Storage	95.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	63.9K acre-ft

Surface Area	1,159 acres
Drainage Area	314 sq mi
Max Discharge	168,000 cfs
Year Completed	1926 (100 years old)
NID ID	NY00176

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 6, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Rocco Andriello Dam

Schoharie, NY

Low Hazard 15 ft

Blenheim - Gilboa Upper

Schoharie, NY

High Hazard 110 ft

Blenheim - Gilboa Lower

Schoharie, NY

High Hazard 100 ft

Lake In The Sky Dam

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Low Hazard 17 ft

Mattice Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 16 ft

Mayham Pond Dam

Schoharie, NY

Low Hazard 11 ft

Whiting Hollow Dam

Schoharie, NY

Significant Hazard 24 ft

Roxbury Dam

Delaware, NY

High Hazard 36 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gilboa Dam?

Gilboa 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 Gilboa Dam?

Gilboa Dam is owned by NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gilboa Dam built?

Gilboa Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Gilboa Dam?

Gilboa 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 Gilboa Dam?

Gilboa Dam has a dam height of 183 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 Gilboa Dam last inspected?

Gilboa Dam was last inspected on October 6, 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.