Corps Closely Monitors Mount Morris Dam After Heavy Rainfall

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the dam is operating as designed to prevent downstream flooding.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:55am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Mount Morris Dam surrounded by a dramatic, fog-shrouded Genesee River valley, conveying the overwhelming scale of the natural environment and the dam's role in managing the region's powerful waterways.The Mount Morris Dam stands as a testament to the power of nature and the engineering feats required to harness it, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closely monitors the structure during a period of heavy rainfall.Buffalo Today

Recent heavy rainfall across the Genesee River watershed has led to significantly elevated water levels at the Mount Morris Dam in Letchworth State Park, prompting close monitoring by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Despite the higher water levels, the dam is operating as intended, storing excess water to help prevent flooding in nearby communities.

Why it matters

The Mount Morris Dam is a critical flood control structure that protects communities downstream along the Genesee River. Closely monitoring the dam's operations during periods of heavy rainfall is essential to ensuring public safety and minimizing the risk of potential flooding.

The details

Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say the dam is currently managing a large volume of water following the recent rainfall, but stress that the situation remains under control. Controlled releases of water are being carried out to maintain safety and achieve the best outcomes for flood control.

  • Recent rainfall across the Genesee River watershed has led to the elevated water levels.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency responsible for managing and operating the Mount Morris Dam to control flooding along the Genesee River.

Paul Cocca

The water management section chief for the Buffalo District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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What they’re saying

“If you go there today, you'd see quite a significant pool, but again, that's what it's built for, so we're operating, uh, you know, as normal.”

— Paul Cocca, Water Management Section Chief, Buffalo District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

What’s next

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to closely monitor the water levels and operations at the Mount Morris Dam as weather conditions evolve in the region.

The takeaway

The Mount Morris Dam is performing its intended function of storing excess water to prevent downstream flooding, demonstrating the importance of proactive flood control infrastructure in communities vulnerable to severe weather events.