City Of Oswego Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The City of Oswego Dam, located on the Oswego River in New York, was completed in 1956 and serves as a crucial structure for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at 21 feet tall and spans a length of 104 feet, with a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet and a surface area of 6 acres. While it has a low hazard potential, it is considered to have a high risk level, indicating the importance of proper risk management measures.

Managed by the local government of Oswego, this dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its integrity. Despite being labeled as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the City of Oswego Dam remains a key feature in the region's water resource infrastructure, contributing to the generation of hydroelectric power and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.

With its strategic location and role in water resource management, the City of Oswego Dam represents a significant asset for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like this dam play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable energy production and water management practices in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

104

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

OSWEGO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

92

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.