Mount Morris Dam, located in Livingston, New York, is a concrete multi-arch structure completed in 1952 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to primarily reduce flood risks along the Genesee River.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 215 feet with a hydraulic height of 249 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 408,000 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1,080 square miles. Despite being categorized as a high hazard potential structure, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and nine slide gates for flood control.
A risk assessment conducted in 2016 identified potential failure scenarios such as exceedance of the dam's capacity, internal concrete failure, and water seepage into the rock foundation. In case of a catastrophic failure, surrounding areas like Mount Morris, Avon, and Rochester could experience significant flooding with depths ranging from 10 to 35 feet. To mitigate these risks, the USACE continuously works on risk reduction measures including regular inspections, emergency preparedness planning, and stability analyses to address seepage and concrete integrity issues.
Overall, Mount Morris Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding downstream communities from devastating floods, with ongoing efforts by the US Army Corps of Engineers to ensure the dam's structural integrity and enhance emergency response capabilities. The dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and highlights the importance of proactive risk management in protecting lives and property in the event of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1028 |
Dam Height |
215 |
River Or Stream |
GENESEE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
450 |
Hydraulic Height |
249 |
Drainage Area |
1080 |
Nid Storage |
408000 |
Structural Height |
245 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 9 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
249 |