Mt Morris Power Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Mt Morris Power Dam, also known as Station No 160, is a concrete dam located in Piffard, New York, along the Genesee River.


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Summary

Completed in 1916, this dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 334 feet, this structure has a significant storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 34,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a public utility and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Mt Morris Power Dam plays a crucial role in providing clean energy while also contributing to flood control efforts. The dam has a spillway width of 270 feet and is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk rating.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of the Mt Morris Power Dam, as well as its contribution to renewable energy production in the region. The dam's inspection frequency is every 4 years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2018. While the condition of the dam is currently not rated, it is important for stakeholders to continue monitoring and maintaining this vital infrastructure to ensure its safety and efficiency for years to come.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

334

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

GENESEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

68

Drainage Area

1070

Nid Storage

250

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.