Max O Urbahn Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Max O Urbahn Dam, located in Nicholville, New York, stands tall at a height of 14 feet and spans 175 feet in length, completed in 1972.
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Summary
This private dam primarily serves the purpose of recreation, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. Situated on the TR-West Branch St. Regis River, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 62 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.62 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for condition assessment, the Max O Urbahn Dam has a moderate risk assessment of 3 out of 5. With an uncontrolled spillway type measuring 16 feet in width, the dam ensures proper water flow management and public safety. Although last inspected in 1997, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, guaranteeing ongoing compliance with state regulations and enforcement measures to mitigate potential risks.
This iconic Earth dam, nestled in Franklin County, New York, attracts visitors with its 13-acre surface area and maximum discharge capacity of 121 cubic feet per second. As a pivotal recreational spot and essential water resource, the Max O Urbahn Dam symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in the realm of water infrastructure and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
175 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WEST BRANCH ST. REGIS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Drainage Area |
1.62 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Max O Urbahn Dam
Santa Clara