Bible Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harrower Lower Dam Harrower Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Bible Dam, located in Perth, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1977 for recreational purposes on the Heavy Kill River.
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Summary
With a height of 15 feet and a length of 480 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres with a drainage area of 3.3 square miles. Despite its recreational value, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in January 2019.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the dam undergoes regular inspections every four years, with the last assessment conducted in January 2019. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and its maximum discharge capacity is 1,110 cubic feet per second. With its risk assessment categorized as moderate, Bible Dam poses challenges in terms of risk management measures and emergency preparedness, indicating a need for potential improvements to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the area. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the developments of this dam and advocating for its sustainable management to mitigate risks and enhance recreational opportunities in the region.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
HEAVY KILL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
3.3 |
Nid Storage |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Bible Dam
Broadalbin Public Boat Launch