Kessinger Taberg Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Kessinger Taberg Dam, located in Taberg, New York, is a concrete structure completed in 1908 primarily used for water supply from the East Branch Fish Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a length of 240 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 137 square miles. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, it is rated as having a high risk (2) due to unspecified factors.

Owned by the local government, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. Although it lacks a spillway, Kessinger Taberg Dam has a spillway width of 135 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 14,500 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its last inspection in 1998 suggests a need for updated assessments and risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kessinger Taberg Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and management. As a vital infrastructure supporting water supply in the region, understanding its risk profile and potential vulnerabilities is crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of the surrounding communities and ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a focal point for ongoing discussions on balancing water resource management with the need for proactive risk mitigation strategies in the face of changing climate dynamics.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH FISH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

137

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.