Aubrey Elliot Wildlife Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in North Afton, New York, the Aubrey Elliot Wildlife Dam is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1956 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a length of 452 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres. It regulates the flow of the TR-Wilkins Brook and has a low hazard potential, making it a relatively safe structure in terms of potential impact on the environment and surrounding areas.

Despite not being federally owned or funded, the dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). It is regularly inspected and maintained by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 57 feet, allowing for controlled release of excess water in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding. The risk assessment for the Aubrey Elliot Wildlife Dam is rated as moderate, indicating a moderate level of potential risk associated with the structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Aubrey Elliot Wildlife Dam an intriguing example of a recreational earth dam in New York. The dam not only serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities but also plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the area. Its connection to the TR-Wilkins Brook highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the safety of such structures. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment underscores the ongoing need for risk management measures to protect both the dam and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

452

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-WILKINS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.