Stump Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stump Pond Dam, located in Cortland, New York, is a stone structure completed in 1928 primarily for recreational purposes along Willet Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 100 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 347 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 200 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, measuring 90 feet wide, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 671 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational value, Stump Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of September 2016. The dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in September 2020. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a moderate level of risk, with measures for risk management yet to be specified. While the dam remains in private ownership, it is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Willet area may find Stump Pond Dam an intriguing structure to study, given its historical significance, recreational importance, and its current condition. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and management of such structures to ensure the safety of both the surrounding community and the environment. Further research and monitoring of Stump Pond Dam could provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WILLET CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

39

Drainage Area

1.36

Nid Storage

347

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.