Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Mill Dam, located in Madrid, New York, is a concrete structure built in 1916 on the Grass River.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the local government, this dam has a height of 12 feet and a length of 396 feet, providing a storage capacity of 291 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a drainage area of 587 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam at Mill Dam is considered to have a high risk due to its condition assessment not being rated. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in July 2009, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the structure. With a spillway width of 364 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 7200 cubic feet per second, Mill Dam is a significant component of the local water infrastructure, requiring ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role that Mill Dam plays in the management of the Grass River watershed is essential. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this concrete structure serves as a key element in regulating water flow, providing storage capacity, and contributing to flood control efforts in the region. As efforts continue to assess and address the risks associated with the dam, it remains a focal point for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience initiatives in St. Lawrence County, New York.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Length

396

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

GRASS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

587

Nid Storage

291

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.