Duck Hole Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Duck Hole Dam, located in Coreys, Franklin, New York, is a Timber Crib structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Owned by the state, this dam on the Cold River stands at 14 feet high and stretches 110 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the NYS DEC, has a spillway width of 62 feet and a maximum discharge of 1000 cubic feet per second, ensuring controlled water flow.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Duck Hole Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 due to its condition assessment being not rated. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in September 2011, and although the emergency action plan status is unknown, the dam is under state jurisdiction with regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place. For enthusiasts of water resources and climate, Duck Hole Dam offers a fascinating insight into the management and regulation of a recreational structure in a stunning natural setting, with the potential for further exploration of its risk management measures and future assessments.

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

COLD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Timber Crib

Surface Area

58

Nid Storage

380

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.