Agnes Sisson Recreational Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Agnes Sisson Recreational Pond Dam, located in Becker Corners, New York, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1966 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 18 feet and a length of 659 feet, the dam creates a surface area of 12 acres and has a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Cripplebush Creek and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The dam has a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, with a spillway width of 52 feet and a maximum discharge of 1750 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition and has not had an emergency action plan prepared. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in September 2019, with inspections scheduled every four years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Agnes Sisson Recreational Pond Dam to be an interesting case study in private dam ownership and regulation. The dam's location in the Schoharie County area of New York, along with its recreational purposes and historical construction date, offer insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining and monitoring dams for both safety and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

659

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CRIPPLEBUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.