Eaton Brook Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Eaton Brook Reservoir Dam in West Eaton, New York, is a significant state-owned structure completed in 1893 for navigation purposes along the Eaton Brook.


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Summary

With a height of 58 feet and a length of 820 feet, the earth dam provides storage of up to 7,886 acre-feet of water, covering a surface area of 275 acres. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 3,060 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 41 feet.

Despite its historical importance, Eaton Brook Reservoir Dam is currently assessed as having a high hazard potential and poor condition as of September 2018. The dam is inspected every two years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. While the risk assessment ranks the structure at a moderate level (3), there are no detailed guidelines or measures mentioned for risk management or emergency preparedness. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Eaton Brook Reservoir Dam presents a unique case study of a historic earth dam facing challenges in maintaining its structural integrity and safety standards. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, understanding the risk factors, condition assessments, and emergency preparedness measures for this dam can provide valuable insights into the management of similar structures in the region. With ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades, the conservation of Eaton Brook Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of surrounding communities from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1893

Dam Length

820

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

EATON BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

275

Drainage Area

7.96

Nid Storage

7886

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.