Pelto Dam

BURHEIGHT CREEK· Tioga, New York· Built 1955· Earth· 39 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pelto Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 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	39 ft (taller than 87.6% in NY)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	60 acre-ft
Normal Storage	4 acre-ft

Surface Area	1 acres
Drainage Area	0 sq mi
Max Discharge	2,030 cfs
Year Completed	1955 (71 years old)
NID ID	NY00680

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: October 27, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TIOGA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Local Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pelto Dam?

Pelto 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 Pelto Dam?

Pelto Dam is owned by TIOGA COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pelto Dam built?

Pelto Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Pelto Dam?

Pelto 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 Pelto Dam?

Pelto Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Pelto Dam last inspected?

Pelto Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2020. 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.