Jamesville Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Jamesville Reservoir Dam, located in Jamesville, New York, was completed in 1874 and serves as a crucial structure for navigation and recreation purposes.


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Summary

Owned by the state of New York and regulated by the NYS DEC, this masonry dam stands at a height of 53 feet and has a length of 446 feet. With a storage capacity of 6250 acre-feet and a drainage area of 46.9 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the area.

Despite its historical significance, the Jamesville Reservoir Dam is currently classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. With the last inspection conducted in June 2020, the dam poses a moderate risk (level 3) and is in need of maintenance and risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. It is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the condition of this important infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued functionality of the dam for both navigation and recreation purposes.

Year Completed

1874

Dam Length

446

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

BUTTERNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

252

Drainage Area

46.9

Nid Storage

6250

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

53
       
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.