Onondaga Dam
Key Takeaway
Onondaga Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 | 67 ft (taller than 95.9% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 2,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 48.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 68 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 82,350 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00794 |
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
NYS DEC - DIVISION OF WATER
State Government
Nearby Dams
East Syracuse Reservoir Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 33 ftJamesville Water District Dam
Onondaga, NY
Low Hazard 35 ftWoodland Reservoir Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 36 ftDoubletree Subdivision Dam
Onondaga, NY
Significant Hazard 28 ftVelasko Road Detention Basin Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 13 ftJamesville Reservoir Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 53 ftOtisco Lake Dam
Onondaga, NY
High Hazard 18 ftElmcrest Childrens Center Dam
Onondaga, NY
Low Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Onondaga Dam?
Onondaga 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 Onondaga Dam?
Onondaga Dam is owned by NYS DEC - DIVISION OF WATER (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Onondaga Dam built?
Onondaga Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Onondaga Dam?
Onondaga 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 Onondaga Dam?
Onondaga Dam has a dam height of 67 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 Onondaga Dam last inspected?
Onondaga Dam was last inspected on July 24, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.