Utica Reservoir #4 Dam
Utica Reservoir #4 Dam is an earth dam located in Oneida County, New York, built in 1886. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Utica Reservoir #4 Dam
The primary purpose of Utica Reservoir #4 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 Mohawk Valley Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Ballou Creek near Utica.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 1,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 34 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 902 acre-feet. Completed in 1886, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/22/2023.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Oneida |
| Nearest City | Utica |
| River/Stream | Ballou Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.07516, -75.23203 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1886 (140 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 902 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 902 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 766 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 34 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | MOHAWK VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/22/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00198 |
| Federal ID | NY00198 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |