O'Dell Marsh Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

O'Dell Marsh Dam, located in Sardinia, New York, is a private dam constructed in 1954 with a primary purpose that falls under the category of "Other." The dam stands at a height of 7 feet and spans 285 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet.


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Summary

The dam is situated on TR-Hosmer Brook and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

Despite its low hazard potential, O'Dell Marsh Dam poses a moderate risk, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of 3. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 26 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 68 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.14 square miles and a surface area of 36 acres. While the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," it undergoes regular state inspections as required by regulatory agencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, O'Dell Marsh Dam serves as a critical infrastructure contributing to water management in Erie County, New York. Its strategic location on Hosmer Brook provides essential flood control measures and water storage for the local community. With its unique design as an earth dam and a history dating back to the mid-20th century, O'Dell Marsh Dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating water resources to mitigate risks and ensure environmental sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR-HOSMER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

36

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

147

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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.