Goodnow Flowage Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Goodnow Flowage Dam, located in North River, Essex County, New York, is a privately owned dam on the Goodnow River.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene 339-acre surface area for activities such as boating and fishing. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 350 feet, the earth dam holds a storage capacity of 2,827 acre-feet and has a controlled spillway width of 28 feet.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and not yet assessed for condition, the dam poses a very high risk due to its failure consequences. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are currently undetermined, the dam's risk level underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential threats.

The Goodnow Flowage Dam, situated within the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, stands as a vital structure for recreational enjoyment in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ensuring the resilience and safety of dams like Goodnow Flowage becomes increasingly crucial. By staying informed and proactive in risk assessment and management, water resource and climate enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable management of these vital assets for future generations.

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

GOODNOW RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

339

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

2827

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.