Graffenburg Reservoir Dam
Graffenburg Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Herkimer County, New York, built in 1854. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Graffenburg Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Graffenburg Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Sitrin (private). It impounds the Tr-starch Factory Creek near Utica.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1854, 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. 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 03/27/2025.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Herkimer |
| Nearest City | Utica |
| River/Stream | Tr-starch Factory Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.04750, -75.21000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Year Completed | 1854 (172 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 91 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | SITRIN |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/27/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00180 |
| Federal ID | NY00180 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |