Evans Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Evans Dam, located in Sullivan, New York, along the Sheldrake Stream, was completed in 1900 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This private earth dam has a height of 10 feet and a length of 1947 feet, providing a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. Although it does not have a spillway, it has a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge of 770 cubic feet per second.

With a significant hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating of 2, Evans Dam is state-regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its last inspection date was in December 2018, with inspections scheduled every four years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Evans Dam presents an intriguing case study of a century-old structure that continues to serve its recreational purpose while facing significant risk factors that require ongoing monitoring and management. Its location, design, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the complexities of dam infrastructure in the context of evolving environmental and safety considerations.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

1947

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SHELDRAKE STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Nid Storage

112

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.