Owego Contracting Company Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
The Owego Contracting Company Dam, located in Straits Corners, Tioga, New York, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1974, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 480 feet, providing storage of up to 350 acre-feet of water from Pipe Creek. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being a privately owned structure, the Owego Contracting Company Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities in the area while also serving as a water resource management tool. The dam has a spillway width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 585 cubic feet per second, helping to control the flow of water and prevent flooding downstream. With its strategic location and function, the dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region, supporting both environmental conservation and public enjoyment of the surrounding waterways and reservoir.
With its moderate risk assessment and not rated condition assessment, the Owego Contracting Company Dam continues to be a vital asset for water resource management and recreational activities in Tioga, New York. As a regulated structure with state oversight and regular inspections, this earth dam stands as an example of responsible infrastructure management to ensure the safety of the community and the environment. Its strategic design and purposeful operation make it a valuable component of the local water resource and climate resilience efforts, showcasing the importance of sustainable dam infrastructure for both practical and recreational purposes.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
PIPE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1.88 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Owego Contracting Company Dam