Bear Swamp Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Bear Swamp Reservoir Dam, located in Westbrookville, New York, is a concrete dam completed in 1914 primarily used for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 17 feet and a length of 340 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource for the area. The reservoir covers a surface area of 40 acres and drains an area of 0.33 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 320 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Bear Swamp Reservoir Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite being assessed as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is classified as very high, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. While the condition assessment is currently listed as not rated, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for the surrounding community and environment.

In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with a controlled spillway, with a width of 8 feet, to manage excess water flow. While no emergency action plan (EAP) has been reported, the dam's emergency contacts and risk management measures are under continual review. Overall, Bear Swamp Reservoir Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water supply in the region, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-BASHER KILL

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

0.33

Nid Storage

350

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.