Bear Gulch Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Makely Pond Dam Fox Vly Dam
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Bear Gulch Pond Dam, located in Richmondville, New York, is a recreational earth dam completed in 1910 with a height of 18 feet and a length of 315 feet.
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Summary
The dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a surface area of 46 acres for activities such as fishing and boating. With a storage capacity of 391 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.74 square miles, Bear Gulch Pond Dam also acts as a crucial water resource for the surrounding community.
Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Bear Gulch Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the NYS DEC and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in October 2020. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 100 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 436 cubic feet per second.
In light of its moderate risk level and high hazard potential, Bear Gulch Pond Dam requires urgent attention to address its poor condition and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts should closely monitor the dam's maintenance and risk management measures to prevent any potential disasters and preserve this important recreational and water storage facility in Schoharie, New York.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
315 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR GULCH BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
46 |
Drainage Area |
0.74 |
Nid Storage |
391 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Bear Gulch Pond Dam