Montour Falls Reservoir Dam

JOHNS CREEK· Schuyler, New York· Built 1899· Concrete· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Montour Falls Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 80.7% in NY)
Dam Length178 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage14 acre-ft
Normal Storage6 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1899 (127 years old)
NID IDNY01628

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: No
Last Inspection: September 19, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

David Barber

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Montour Falls Reservoir Dam?

Montour Falls Reservoir 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 Montour Falls Reservoir Dam?

Montour Falls Reservoir Dam is owned by David Barber (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Montour Falls Reservoir Dam built?

Montour Falls Reservoir Dam was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Montour Falls Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Montour Falls Reservoir Dam?

Montour Falls Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Montour Falls Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Montour Falls Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 19, 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.