Wildcat Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Wildcat Dam, also known as Lake Nianque, is a privately owned recreational dam located in Tylertown, Sullivan County, New York.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans a length of 413 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 26 acres for activities such as boating and fishing.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Wildcat Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure, the dam has a moderate risk assessment score, indicating a certain level of risk that requires attention and management. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 25 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 820 cubic feet per second.

With its picturesque location along the TR-SMITH MILL BROOK, Wildcat Dam provides a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Wildcat Dam become increasingly important to ensure the safety of communities and the sustainability of our water supply.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

413

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SMITH MILL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

1.05

Nid Storage

220

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.