Plymouth Reservoir Dam

RESERVOIR CREEK· Chenango, New York· Built 1827· Rockfill· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Plymouth Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1827 and is 199 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage400 acre-ft
Normal Storage320 acre-ft
Surface Area77 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge16 cfs
Year Completed1827 (199 years old)
NID IDNY01481

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: Yes
Last Inspection: May 15, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

PLYMOUTH RESERVOIR ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Plymouth Reservoir Dam?

Plymouth 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 Plymouth Reservoir Dam?

Plymouth Reservoir Dam is owned by PLYMOUTH RESERVOIR ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Plymouth Reservoir Dam built?

Plymouth Reservoir Dam was completed in 1827, making it 199 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 Plymouth Reservoir Dam?

Plymouth 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 Plymouth Reservoir Dam?

Plymouth Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Plymouth Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Plymouth Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 15, 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.