Montour Falls Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

The Montour Falls Reservoir Dam, also known as Johns Creek Dam, is a concrete structure located in Montour Falls, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1899, this dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, providing a surface area of 2.8 square miles and a storage capacity of 13.7 million gallons of water. Situated on Johns Creek, this dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 178 feet.

Managed by a private owner, the Montour Falls Reservoir Dam is regulated and permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Inspections are conducted regularly, with the last one taking place in September 2019. The dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated."

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of the Montour Falls Reservoir Dam. As a vital recreational and water storage structure in Schuyler County, this dam provides essential services while being closely monitored and regulated by state agencies. The dam's location on Johns Creek amidst the beautiful landscape of Montour Falls makes it a noteworthy landmark for those interested in the intersection of infrastructure and natural resources.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

178

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

JOHNS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

2.8

Drainage Area

4.11

Nid Storage

13.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

31
       
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.