Stephen Crane Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Stephen Crane Dam, located in Sullivan County, New York, stands as a historic stone structure completed in 1850 primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 260 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet, providing a serene surface area of 6 acres along the Bushkill River. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type with a width of 36 feet, ensures a maximum discharge of 1260 cubic feet per second, contributing to a low hazard potential despite its moderate risk assessment.

While privately owned, Stephen Crane Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam's condition assessment remains unrated, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. Despite lacking an Emergency Action Plan and inundation maps, the dam's risk management measures are under moderate classification, suggesting a need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and longevity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy in the picturesque setting of Oakland Valley.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BUSHKILL

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

10.16

Nid Storage

92

Hazard Potential

Low

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.