Summary
Built in 1922, this buttress-type dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 227 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet for the Bear Creek watershed. With a surface area of 12 acres and a drainage area of 5.6 square miles, the dam serves primarily for purposes other than flood control or water supply.
Despite its historical significance, Bear Creek Dam is currently classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. The dam's risk level is rated as moderate, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to stay informed about the state of Bear Creek Dam and advocate for necessary maintenance and improvements to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
227 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
5.6 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sandy Creek Near Adams Ny
|
334cfs |
Salmon River At Pineville Ny
|
1680cfs |
Black River At Watertown Ny
|
6720cfs |
Oswego River At Lock 7
|
16500cfs |
Scriba Creek Near Constantia Ny
|
360cfs |
Beaver River At Croghan Ny
|
992cfs |
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 Creek Dam
Six Town Pond