Mount Morris Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.