Palmyra Dam dam
Palmyra Dam
Palmyra Dam, located in Palmyra, New York, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Completed in 1923, the dam stands at 18 feet high and spans 150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1000 cfs. The dam, built as an earth structure on Spring Brook, serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply, making it a unique addition to the region's water management infrastructure.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Palmyra Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the Wayne County area. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it is subject to regular inspections as mandated by the state regulatory agency. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 42 feet, ensuring effective water release during high flow events. Although not owned or funded by federal agencies, the dam's operational and safety measures are overseen by state authorities to ensure its reliability and functionality in the face of changing climate conditions.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Palmyra Dam for its historical significance and continued importance in managing water resources in the region. As a privately owned structure with state regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a critical component in the local water infrastructure, providing flood protection and water storage capabilities for the surrounding community. With a focus on risk management and regular inspections, Palmyra Dam stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Palmyra Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Erie (Barge) Canal At Lock 30 | 232 cfs | → |
| Flint Creek At Phelps Ny | 383 cfs | → |
| Canandaigua Outlet At Chapin Ny | 209 cfs | → |
| Irondequoit Cr At Railroad Mills | 77 cfs | → |
| Allen Creek Near Rochester Ny | 53 cfs | → |
| Irondequoit Cr Abv Blossom Rd Nr Rochester Ny | 298 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Palmyra Dam.
Track Palmyra Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Palmyra Dam
Where does the data for Palmyra Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Palmyra Dam.