Gifford Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Gifford, Kahabka & Rutenber Dam, located in East Masonville, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959.


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Summary

With a height of 14 feet and a length of 415 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. It has a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.11 square miles, with a maximum discharge rate of 117 cubic feet per second.

The dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, it is classified as having a moderate risk level. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 50 feet wide, helps manage water flow during peak periods. Although the dam's condition is currently not rated, it is important to note that the last inspection was conducted in 1996.

This dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region, serving as a key element in flood control and water supply. With its strategic location on the TR-East Masonville Creek, Gifford, Kahabka & Rutenber Dam underscores the importance of private ownership in maintaining essential infrastructure for the community's safety and well-being.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-EAST MASONVILLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

131

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.