New Hope Saw Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

New Hope Saw Mill Dam, located in Cayuga, New York, stands as a testament to early 19th-century engineering with a completion date of 1850.


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Summary

This concrete dam on Bear Swamp Creek boasts a height of 19 feet and a length of 190 feet, providing storage capacity for 500 acre-feet of water. However, despite its historical significance, the dam is currently rated as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New Hope Saw Mill Dam presents a unique challenge for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a drainage area of 7.6 square miles and a maximum discharge of 850 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water storage in the region. However, its poor condition and outdated design pose a potential risk to the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance in ensuring the safety and longevity of vital water infrastructure.

As advocates for sustainable water management and climate resilience, enthusiasts may find New Hope Saw Mill Dam to be a compelling case study in the intersection of historical preservation, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental protection. With its outdated spillway type and uncontrolled spillway width of 20 feet, the dam represents a delicate balance between the need for water storage and the potential risks associated with aging infrastructure. By staying informed and engaged in the maintenance and regulation of dams like New Hope Saw Mill, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of critical water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

BEAR SWAMP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

7.6

Nid Storage

500

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.