Delta Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Delta Dam, located in Rome, New York, is a concrete structure completed in 1912 primarily for navigation purposes on the Mohawk River.


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Summary

Standing at 106 feet tall and spanning 1000 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 87,500 acre-feet, making it a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With a controlled spillway and a maximum discharge capacity of 21,600 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a key role in regulating water flow and preventing flooding in the area.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Delta Dam is deemed to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2016. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Emergency action plans are in place, although their last revision was in January 2020. With a very high risk assessment rating, Delta Dam remains a critical infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating risks associated with potential emergencies in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Delta Dam to be a fascinating case study of engineering ingenuity and the importance of effective dam management in ensuring community safety and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

106

River Or Stream

MOHAWK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

2482

Drainage Area

148

Nid Storage

87500

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

106
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.