Guilford Lake Dam

GUILFORD CREEK· Chenango, New York· Built 1827· Earth· 15 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Guilford Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1827 and is 199 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	15 ft (taller than 37.1% in NY)
Dam Length	62 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	560 acre-ft
Normal Storage	390 acre-ft

Surface Area	74 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
Max Discharge	1,500 cfs
Year Completed	1827 (199 years old)
NID ID	NY01483

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: May 15, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TOWN OF GUILFORD

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Tank Pond Dam

Chenango, NY

Low Hazard 9 ft

Robert Wahlberg Dam

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Low Hazard 15 ft

Thomas L Ryan Dam

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Low Hazard 7 ft

Bainbridge Reservoir Dam

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Significant Hazard 19 ft

Glenn Lake Dam

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High Hazard 43 ft

Trestle Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 17 ft

Clarks Creek Dam

Chenango, NY

High Hazard 46 ft

Whites Pond Dam

Chenango, NY

Low Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Guilford Lake Dam?

Guilford Lake 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 Guilford Lake Dam?

Guilford Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF GUILFORD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Guilford Lake Dam built?

Guilford Lake Dam was completed in 1827, making it 199 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 Guilford Lake Dam?

Guilford Lake 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 Guilford Lake Dam?

Guilford Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Guilford Lake Dam last inspected?

Guilford Lake Dam was last inspected on May 15, 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.