Mount Morris Dam
Key Takeaway
Mount Morris Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 215 ft (taller than 99.9% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 1,028 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 408.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 450 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,080 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 442,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00468 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - Buffalo District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Mt Morris Power Dam
Livingston, NY
Significant Hazard 30 ftSterling Salt CO Reservoir Dam
Livingston, NY
Low Hazard 25 ftSilver Lake Dam
Wyoming, NY
Significant Hazard 15 ftLake Lagrange Dam
Wyoming, NY
Low Hazard 45 ftCarpenter & Bauer Wildlife Marsh Dam
Wyoming, NY
Low Hazard 7 ftMorton Salt Dam
Wyoming, NY
Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mount Morris Dam?
Mount Morris 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 Mount Morris Dam?
Mount Morris Dam is owned by USACE - Buffalo District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mount Morris Dam built?
Mount Morris Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Mount Morris Dam?
Mount Morris Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mount Morris Dam?
Mount Morris Dam has a dam height of 215 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 Mount Morris Dam last inspected?
Mount Morris Dam was last inspected on June 10, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.