Balsam Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Balsam Pond Dam, located in Yulan, Sullivan County, New York, stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1958 for recreational purposes, this earth dam spans 400 feet in length and reaches a height of 15 feet, providing a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. Situated on Balsam Brook, the dam serves as a crucial element in the surrounding ecosystem, offering a surface area of 19 acres for outdoor activities and water-based recreation.

Managed by a private owner, Balsam Pond Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring compliance with state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated as of the last inspection in 2010. While it lacks an Emergency Action Plan and inundation maps, the dam continues to play a vital role in mitigating flooding and safeguarding the local community against potential risks associated with its operation.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, Balsam Pond Dam stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges. With its uncontrolled spillway and recreational focus, this structure highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and longevity of vital water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BALSAM BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Nid Storage

125

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.