Ed Pylkas Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: H F Meyers Dam & Dikes Pelto Dam
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Ed Pylkas Dam, located in Spencer, Tioga County, New York, was completed in 1955 by the USDA NRCS and is owned by the local government.
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Summary
The dam spans 420 feet in length and stands at a height of 37 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Dean Creek. With a storage capacity of 206 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.69 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its important function, Ed Pylkas Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential. The dam has a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled' with a width of 63 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2125 cubic feet per second. The last inspection in October 2020 revealed the need for improvement, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the structure in mitigating flood risks. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Ed Pylkas Dam an intriguing case study for the challenges and opportunities in managing water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
DEAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.69 |
Nid Storage |
206 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Susquehanna River Near Waverly Ny
|
3940cfs |
Chemung River At Chemung Ny
|
496cfs |
Susquehanna River At Owego Ny
|
3480cfs |
Chemung River At Elmira Ny
|
444cfs |
Sixmile Creek At Brooktondale Ny
|
83cfs |
Wappasening Creek Near Windham Center
|
10cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ed Pylkas Dam