Utica Reservoir #5 Dam

BALLOU CREEK OFFSTREAM· Oneida, New York· Built 1896· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 34 ft (taller than 83% in NY)
Dam Length2,640 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage576 acre-ft
Normal Storage576 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1896 (130 years old)
NID IDNY00199

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: August 16, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Utica Reservoir #5 Dam?

Utica Reservoir #5 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 Utica Reservoir #5 Dam?

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam is owned by MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Utica Reservoir #5 Dam built?

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Utica Reservoir #5 Dam?

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Utica Reservoir #5 Dam?

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Utica Reservoir #5 Dam last inspected?

Utica Reservoir #5 Dam was last inspected on August 16, 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.