Higinbotham Brook Watershed Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Higinbotham Brook Watershed Dam in Oneida, New York, stands as a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1978, this earth-type dam boasts a height of 53 feet and a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. Situated along the Higinbotham Brook, it serves as a vital asset in flood risk reduction efforts within the Madison County region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC, the dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and meet state permitting requirements. Despite its high hazard potential, recent assessments have deemed its condition satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating. The dam's emergency action plan is kept up to date, reflecting a proactive approach to risk management and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities in the event of a potential breach.

With a history of effective flood prevention and a commitment to ongoing maintenance and risk assessment, the Higinbotham Brook Watershed Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of climate variability. Its role in protecting the local area from inundation highlights the critical need for sustainable infrastructure to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

HIGINBOTHAM BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

176

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

53
       
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.