Charles D Gibson Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Charles D Gibson Dam, also known as McGraw Dam or Deer Run Farm Pond, is a private earth dam located in Philmont, Columbia, New York.


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Summary

It was completed in 1963 and primarily serves the purpose of recreation, with a storage capacity of 153 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 113 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 240 feet, creating a surface area of 18 acres and draining a small watershed area of 0.16 square miles.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of April 2018 was deemed satisfactory. The spillway, with a width of 20 feet, is uncontrolled, and the maximum discharge capacity is 128 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a rating of 3 out of 5.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Charles D Gibson Dam an interesting structure for its recreational purpose and its role in water management in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1960s and ongoing state oversight to ensure public safety, the dam provides a valuable recreational resource while also highlighting the importance of effective dam management in the face of evolving climate conditions. Its location along the TR-AGAWAMUCK CREEK adds to its ecological significance in the local watershed.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-AGAWAMUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

153

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.