Elmira Reformatory Dam
Elmira Reformatory Dam is an earth dam located in Chemung County, New York, built in 1870. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Elmira Reformatory Dam
The primary purpose of Elmira Reformatory Dam is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Nys Department Of Corrections And Community Supervision - Faciltiies Planning (state). It impounds the Heller Creek near Elmira.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 695 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/07/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Chemung |
| Nearest City | Elmira |
| River/Stream | Heller Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.11444, -76.84056 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 695 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 82 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond |
| Owner | NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision - Faciltiies Planning |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 07/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00995 |
| Federal ID | NY00995 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |