Wilmington Dam

WEST BRANCH AUSABLE RIVER· Essex, New York· Built 1937· Concrete· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wilmington Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 42.9% in NY)
Dam Length255 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Normal Storage166 acre-ft
Surface Area26 acres
Drainage Area142 sq mi
Max Discharge16,130 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDNY00246

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: July 24, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TOWN OF WILMINGTON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wilmington Dam?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington Dam?

Wilmington Dam is owned by TOWN OF WILMINGTON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wilmington Dam built?

Wilmington Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Wilmington Dam?

Wilmington Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wilmington Dam?

Wilmington Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Wilmington Dam last inspected?

Wilmington Dam was last inspected on July 24, 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.