Red Mills Dam

CLAVERACK CREEK· Columbia, New York· Built 1938· Concrete· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Red Mills Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 53.6% in NY)
Dam Length245 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage166 acre-ft
Normal Storage80 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area58 sq mi
Max Discharge7,862 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDNY01306

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: June 21, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Merchant & Ivory Foundation

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Red Mills Dam?

Red Mills 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 Red Mills Dam?

Red Mills Dam is owned by Merchant & Ivory Foundation (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Red Mills Dam built?

Red Mills Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Red Mills Dam?

Red Mills 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 Red Mills Dam?

Red Mills Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Red Mills Dam last inspected?

Red Mills Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2018. 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.