Port Creek Reservoir Dam

Port Creek Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fulton County, New York, built in 1930. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Port Creek Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Port Creek Reservoir 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 Gloversville Board Of Water Commissioners (local government). It impounds the Rice Reservoir Inlet near Riceville.

The dam stands 56 feet tall and stretches 375 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 331 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1930, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/27/2025.

At 56 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.

High HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyFulton
Nearest CityRiceville
River/StreamRice Reservoir Inlet
Coordinates43.08750, -74.35361

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height56 ft
Dam Height56 ft
Dam Length375 ft
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage331 acre-ft
Max Storage331 acre-ft
Normal Storage295 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge760 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerGLOVERSVILLE BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection03/27/2025
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY00147
Federal IDNY00147
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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