Punch Bowl Dam
Key Takeaway
Punch Bowl Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 110 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 160 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01343 |
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 PARKS & RECREATION FINGER LAKES
State Government
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Punch Bowl Dam?
Punch Bowl 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 Punch Bowl Dam?
Punch Bowl Dam is owned by NYS PARKS & RECREATION FINGER LAKES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Punch Bowl Dam built?
Punch Bowl Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Punch Bowl Dam?
Punch Bowl Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Punch Bowl Dam?
Punch Bowl 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 Punch Bowl Dam last inspected?
Punch Bowl Dam was last inspected on September 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.