Churchill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Churchill Dam, located in Stamford, New York, is a rockfill dam completed in 1965 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 340 feet, providing a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Situated on the TR-W Branch Delaware River, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding area.

Despite its recreational appeal, Churchill Dam has been flagged with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every 2 years, with the last inspection conducted in January 2020. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 21 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 350 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for Churchill Dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk.

With its picturesque location and potential risks, Churchill Dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area while also posing challenges in terms of maintenance and safety. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the dam's significance in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both visitors and the environment.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

TR-W BRANCH DELAWARE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

31

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.