Balsam Swamp Dam
Balsam Swamp Dam is an earth dam located in Chenango County, New York, built in 1966. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Balsam Swamp Dam
The primary purpose of Balsam Swamp Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nys Dec Division Of Lands & Forests (state). It impounds the Balsam Creek near Mcdonough.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 355 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 121 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,416 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1966, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 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 05/27/2025.
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 | Chenango |
| Nearest City | Mcdonough |
| River/Stream | Balsam Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.54611, -75.76139 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 355 ft |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,416 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,416 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 786 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 121 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 449 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | NYS DEC DIVISION OF LANDS & FORESTS |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/27/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY01006 |
| Federal ID | NY01006 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |