Blenheim - Gilboa Upper
Blenheim - Gilboa Upper is an earth dam located in Schoharie County, New York, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Blenheim - Gilboa Upper
The primary purpose of Blenheim - Gilboa Upper 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 New York Power Authority (state). It impounds the Schoharie Creek near North Blenheim.
The dam stands 170 feet tall and stretches 11,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 355 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 05/24/2022.
At 170 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Schoharie |
| Nearest City | North Blenheim |
| River/Stream | Schoharie Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.44510, -74.43840 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 170 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 11,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 355 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York Power Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/24/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00691 |
| Federal ID | NY00691 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |