Wayland Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wayland Reservoir Dam, located in Wayland, New York, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Springwater Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1948, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flood risks in the region, making it a crucial asset for the local government in Steuben County.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Wayland Reservoir Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as not assessed for its condition. Despite being last inspected in 2010, the dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures remain unclear. With a moderate risk assessment level, it is essential for stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts to stay informed about the ongoing operations and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and extreme weather events, maintaining and monitoring dams like Wayland Reservoir Dam becomes increasingly important. With its strategic location in Wayland and its role in flood risk reduction, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of this structure is crucial for protecting the surrounding community and maintaining water resource resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

SPRINGWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

117

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.