Altamont Main Reservoir Dam

Altamont Main Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Albany County, New York, built in 1898. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Altamont Main Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Altamont Main Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Village Of Altamont (local government). It impounds the Tr-bozen Kill near Altamont.

The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 330 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 140 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1898, the structure is over a century old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/09/2024.

At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyAlbany
Nearest CityAltamont
River/StreamTr-bozen Kill
Coordinates42.69278, -74.07694

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height37 ft
Dam Height37 ft
Dam Length330 ft
Year Completed1898 (128 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage140 acre-ft
Max Storage140 acre-ft
Normal Storage102 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge987 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerVILLAGE OF ALTAMONT
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection04/09/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY00126
Federal IDNY00126
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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