Sodom Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sodom Dam, also known as East Branch Reservoir, is a masonry dam located in Brewster, New York, along the East Branch Croton River.


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Summary

Completed in 1892, this dam serves as a critical water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 19,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 16,100 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 78 feet and stretches 1,600 feet in length, with a spillway width of 500 feet to manage maximum discharges of up to 38,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Sodom Dam is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity and overall condition. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with risk management measures in place to mitigate potential threats. With its long history of providing essential water resources to the region, Sodom Dam remains a vital piece of infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against any potential risks or emergencies.

Year Completed

1892

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

78

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH CROTON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

491

Drainage Area

80.3

Nid Storage

19000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

78
       
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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.