Harry Brown Wildlife Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Harry Brown Wildlife Dam, located in Peterboro, New York, is a privately owned structure regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 350 feet in length, serving primarily as a wildlife pond with a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam sits on the TR-Peterboro Swamp, covering a surface area of 25 acres and draining an area of 1.09 square miles.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, with a rating of 3. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 400 cubic feet per second. The last inspection of the dam took place in May 1972, with the condition assessment currently listed as "Not Rated." While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains under the jurisdiction of the New York State regulatory agency, with regular inspections and enforcement protocols in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harry Brown Wildlife Dam presents a fascinating case study of a small-scale, privately owned structure that plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. Its unique design and purpose, combined with its historical significance and regulatory oversight, make it a valuable asset in the region's water management landscape. As efforts continue to assess and manage the dam's risk profile, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to safeguard both natural ecosystems and human communities in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-PETERBORO SWAMP

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

1.09

Nid Storage

56

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Harry Brown Wildlife DamCHITTENANGO CREEK NEAR CHITTENANGO NY Preview Chittenango Creek Near Chittenango Ny
84.3cfs
84cfs
Harry Brown Wildlife DamONEIDA CREEK AT ONEIDA NY Preview Oneida Creek At Oneida Ny
126.0cfs
126cfs
Harry Brown Wildlife DamONONDAGA CR AT DORWIN AVE. Preview Onondaga Cr At Dorwin Ave.
97.9cfs
98cfs
Harry Brown Wildlife DamEAST BRANCH FISH CREEK AT TABERG NY Preview East Branch Fish Creek At Taberg Ny
499.0cfs
499cfs
Harry Brown Wildlife DamONONDAGA CR AT SPENCER ST. Preview Onondaga Cr At Spencer St.
97.0cfs
97cfs
Harry Brown Wildlife DamONONDAGA CREEK NEAR CARDIFF NY Preview Onondaga Creek Near Cardiff Ny
7.95cfs
8cfs

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.
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