Kayuta
Kayuta is a timber crib dam located in Oneida County, New York, built in 1894. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kayuta
The primary purpose of Kayuta is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Ampersand Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the Black River near Forestport.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 240 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 793 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,889 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 144 square miles. Completed in 1894, 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 03/31/2022.
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 | Forestport |
| River/Stream | Black River |
| Coordinates | 43.42330, -75.20732 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Timber Crib |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 240 ft |
| Year Completed | 1894 (132 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,889 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,889 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,889 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 793 acres |
| Drainage Area | 144 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Ampersand Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00308 |
| Federal ID | NY00308 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |