60 Foot Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The 60 Foot Dam, also known as Ithaca Reservoir or Potters Falls Dam, is a crucial water supply structure located in Ithaca, New York.


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Summary

Constructed in 1911, this arch dam stands at a height of 75 feet and has a length of 220 feet, providing storage capacity of up to 1290 acre-feet. Situated on the Sixmile Creek, the dam plays a key role in managing water resources in the region, with a primary purpose of water supply.

Despite its significant role, the 60 Foot Dam is facing challenges with a poor condition assessment and a high hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one dated back to November 2018. The dam's emergency action plan is in need of updates, and risk management measures are required to address the moderate risk level associated with the structure. As a state-regulated dam, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the 60 Foot Dam represents a historic and vital infrastructure in the Tompkins County area. With its architectural significance as an arch dam and its impact on water supply for the community, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the challenges and importance of maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. Addressing the dam's condition assessment, hazard potential, and risk management measures are essential steps towards ensuring its continued function and safety for the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

SIXMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Arch

Surface Area

47

Drainage Area

45.6

Nid Storage

1290

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

75
       
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.