Ben Bradley Wildlife Dam & Dike Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lloyd Sutton Dam Knapp Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Ben Bradley Wildlife Dam & Dike, located in Dog Hollow, Cortland, New York, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1951 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 375 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 17 acres and serves to regulate water flow for the Dog Hollow Creek.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Ben Bradley Wildlife Dam & Dike is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its structural integrity and adherence to safety standards. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. Although the dam has not been recently assessed for its condition, it remains a vital resource for supporting fish and wildlife habitat in the area.
Overall, the Ben Bradley Wildlife Dam & Dike is a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing the local ecosystem and supporting wildlife populations. With its controlled storage capacity, regulated by the NYS DEC, the dam contributes to the conservation of natural habitats and water resources in Cortland, New York. As efforts continue to manage and monitor the dam's risk level, it remains an essential structure for promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability in the region.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
DOG HOLLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.36 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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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