Punch Bowl Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: White Hollow Dam Glen Creek Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Punch Bowl Dam, located in Watkins Glen, New York, is a state-owned structure on Glen Creek completed in 1936 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Standing at 39 feet in height and 110 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 160 acre-feet and a surface area of 13 acres. The dam is an arch type with an uncontrolled spillway that is 35 feet wide, serving as a critical infrastructure for managing water resources in the region.
The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans have been prepared and updated, meeting guidelines for risk management and public safety. The dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from flooding while also providing recreational opportunities for the community.
As a significant structure in the region, Punch Bowl Dam serves as a crucial component of water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its historical significance, engineering design, and operational functionality, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and flooding. Its role in flood risk reduction, combined with its recreational value, highlights the multifaceted benefits of sustainable water resource management in New York State.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
110 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
GLEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
13 |
Drainage Area |
21.5 |
Nid Storage |
190 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Chemung River At Corning Ny
|
142cfs |
Cohocton River Near Campbell Ny
|
163cfs |
Chemung River At Elmira Ny
|
1050cfs |
Tioga River Near Erwins Ny
|
761cfs |
Keuka Lake Outlet At Dresden Ny
|
102cfs |
Fall Creek Near Ithaca Ny
|
147cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Watkins Glen State Park
|
||
Clute Memorial Park
|
||
Watkins Glen Family Camping
|
||
Montour Marina
|
||
Ebeneezer's Crossing Primitive Tent Site
|
||
Havana Glen
|
Punch Bowl Dam
NY 414 Watkins Glen