Oakley Swamp Wildlife Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Oakley Swamp Wildlife Pond Dam, located in Foster, Tioga County, New York, is a state-regulated dam with a primary purpose serving as a wildlife pond.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and stretches 124 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. The dam, situated along the TR-Little Nanticoke Creek, has a low hazard potential and is categorized as not rated in terms of condition assessment.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 239 cubic feet per second. While it has not been inspected since October 1976, the risk assessment for Oakley Swamp Wildlife Pond Dam is moderate, with no emergency action plan in place as of the most recent data update in March 2021. Despite its condition assessment status, the dam continues to provide essential water resource management functions for the surrounding area, sustaining a surface area of 22 acres and a drainage area of 0.26 square miles.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oakley Swamp Wildlife Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a state-owned structure that serves a unique wildlife habitat purpose. With its location in a picturesque setting in New York, this dam demonstrates the importance of balancing water management with environmental conservation efforts. As discussions around the future of water resources and climate change intensify, understanding the role of dams like Oakley Swamp Wildlife Pond Dam in supporting ecological diversity and sustainable water usage becomes increasingly vital.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

124

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE NANTICOKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

81

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.