Utica Reservoir #4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Utica Reservoir #4 Dam, also known as Golden Dam, is a crucial structure in Utica, New York, serving as a local government-owned Earth dam that was completed in 1886.


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Summary

The dam's primary purpose is water supply, with a storage capacity of 902 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 766 acre-feet. Situated on Ballou Creek, the dam stands at a height of 55 feet and spans 1700 feet in length, with a surface area of 34 acres.

Despite its age, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 17 feet, posing a high hazard potential and carrying a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it undergoes inspections every two years, with the last inspection carried out in August 2019. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in July 2018, further highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of this critical water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1886

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

BALLOU CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Nid Storage

902

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

55
       
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.