Palmers Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Palmers Pond Dam in Deposit, New York, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along TR-BUTLER BROOK.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1982 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 680 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet and a normal storage of 3 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood hazards in the region.

Managed by the NYS DEC, Palmers Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam's spillway, with a width of 33 feet, serves as an uncontrolled outlet for excess water discharge during peak flow events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1525 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, signifying the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community.

As a vital piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Broome County, Palmers Pond Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a testament to collaborative efforts between local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and state regulatory bodies in safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-BUTLER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

74

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.