Gilboa Dam
Gilboa Dam is a concrete dam located in Schoharie County, New York, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Gilboa Dam
The primary purpose of Gilboa 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 Nycdep Dams West Of The Hudson River (local government). It impounds the Schoharie Creek near North Blenheim.
The dam stands 183 feet tall and stretches 2,273 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,159 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 95,575 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 314 square miles. Completed in 1926, 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 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 05/31/2024.
At 183 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 | 42.39111, -74.45111 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 183 ft |
| Dam Height | 183 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,273 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 95,575 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 95,575 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 63,922 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,159 acres |
| Drainage Area | 314 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 168,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | NYCDEP DAMS WEST OF THE HUDSON RIVER |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/31/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00176 |
| Federal ID | NY00176 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |