James Vance Wildlife Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vanista Hollow Pond Dam Echo Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
James Vance Wildlife Dam, located in North Afton, New York, is a private earth dam constructed in 1972 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans a length of 590 feet, providing a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Wilkins Brook, the dam serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife in the region, offering a surface area of 12 acres and a drainage area of 0.11 square miles.
Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated, with regular inspections conducted every four years. With its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment, the James Vance Wildlife Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Chenango County.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation can appreciate the ecological significance of the James Vance Wildlife Dam as a recreational and wildlife habitat. As a privately owned structure with state oversight, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human activities and environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. Its strategic location and design contribute to the local ecosystem's resilience and serve as a valuable asset in promoting biodiversity and water conservation efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WILKINS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.11 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Susquehanna River At Bainbridge Ny
|
1640cfs |
Unadilla River At Rockdale Ny
|
494cfs |
Chenango River At Greene Ny
|
676cfs |
Susquehanna River At Unadilla Ny
|
1000cfs |
Chenango River Near Chenango Forks Ny
|
1760cfs |
Susquehanna River At Windsor Ny
|
1500cfs |
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.
James Vance Wildlife Dam
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