Pelto Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Pelto Dam, located in Spencer, New York, is a crucial structure designed by USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Burheight Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 350 feet, with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, Pelto Dam is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, raising concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC, Pelto Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure public safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 54 feet, is of the uncontrolled type, capable of discharging up to 2030 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 0.42 square miles, Pelto Dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to address its current condition.
Despite its age and condition assessment, Pelto Dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction in Tioga County. The dam's moderate risk level and the need for improvement underscore the importance of proactive measures to enhance its resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and advocating for the upkeep of vital infrastructure like Pelto Dam is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of local communities in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
BURHEIGHT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sixmile Creek At Brooktondale Ny
|
83cfs |
Sixmile Creek At Bethel Grove
|
16cfs |
Fall Creek Near Ithaca Ny
|
76cfs |
Susquehanna River At Owego Ny
|
3480cfs |
Chemung River At Chemung Ny
|
496cfs |
Susquehanna River Near Waverly Ny
|
3940cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pelto Dam