Little York Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Little York Dam, also known as Upper Little York Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Homer, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 2015, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a height of 7 feet and a length of 250 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 819 acre-feet, the dam provides essential water supply and recreational opportunities for the community.

Situated on the West Branch Tioughnioga River, Little York Dam has a significant hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating. Although the condition assessment is not rated, the dam is inspected every four years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway width is 141 feet, and it has a drainage area of 32.6 square miles, making it a crucial resource for water management in the region.

Despite its importance, Little York Dam does not have a spillway and is not associated with any locks. The dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan preparation status are unclear, but with its central location and involvement in state regulatory agencies like NYS DEC, it plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Cortland County, New York.

Year Completed

2015

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

WEST BR TIOUGHNIOGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

150

Drainage Area

32.6

Nid Storage

819

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

7
       
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.