Beebe Dam
Beebe Dam is a gravity dam located in Tompkins County, New York, built in 1897. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Beebe Dam
The primary purpose of Beebe Dam 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 Cornell University (private). It impounds the Fall Creek near Ithaca.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 279 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 126 square miles. Completed in 1897, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 08/16/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Tompkins |
| Nearest City | Ithaca |
| River/Stream | Fall Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.45180, -76.47990 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 279 ft |
| Year Completed | 1897 (129 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 126 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,080 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Cornell University |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00394 |
| Federal ID | NY00394 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |