Sleepy Hollow Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Sleepy Hollow Dam in Athens, New York, is a privately owned structure completed in 1972 for recreational and water supply purposes.


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Summary

Situated on Murderers Creek, this earth dam stands at a height of 83 feet and spans 750 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 13,500 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 80 feet, and it has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of July 2018.

Owned by a private entity, Sleepy Hollow Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with inspections conducted every two years. The dam poses a moderate risk and is located in the Greene County area of New York, under the jurisdiction of the state. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sleepy Hollow Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, environmental regulation, and recreational uses in sustaining water supplies for local communities.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

83

River Or Stream

MURDERERS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

324

Drainage Area

13.3

Nid Storage

13500

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

83
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.