Ephratah Dam
Ephratah Dam is an earth dam located in Fulton County, New York, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Ephratah Dam
The primary purpose of Ephratah 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 Erie Boulevard Hydropower, Lp/brookfield Renewable (private). It impounds the Caroga Creek near Ephratah.
The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 760 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 750 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 52 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 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 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 04/11/2024.
At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Fulton |
| Nearest City | Ephratah |
| River/Stream | Caroga Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.03639, -74.52333 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 52 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,860 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 04/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00178 |
| Federal ID | NY00178 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |