Karl Shank Dam

TR-NORTH BRANCH YAWGER CREEK· Cayuga, New York· Built 1980· Earth· 25 ft tall
Low Hazard Debris Control Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Karl Shank Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 69.7% in NY)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage37 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge212 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDNY11442

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 31, 1901
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

KARL SHANK

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Mud Lock C&S Canal Dam

Cayuga, NY

High Hazard 20 ft

Seneca Falls

Seneca, NY

High Hazard 68 ft

North Division Street Dam

Cayuga, NY

Significant Hazard 32 ft

Movable Dam At Mays Point

Seneca, NY

Low Hazard 10 ft

Mill Street Dam

Cayuga, NY

High Hazard 25 ft

Owasco Lake Outlet Dam

Cayuga, NY

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Waterloo

Seneca, NY

High Hazard 17 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Karl Shank Dam?

Karl Shank Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Karl Shank Dam?

Karl Shank Dam is owned by KARL SHANK (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Karl Shank Dam built?

Karl Shank 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 Karl Shank Dam?

Karl Shank Dam serves the following purposes: Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Karl Shank Dam?

Karl Shank Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Karl Shank Dam last inspected?

Karl Shank Dam was last inspected on December 31, 1901. 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.