Frederick Britton Wildlife Marsh Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mosher Dam Long Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Frederick Britton Wildlife Marsh Dam, located in Parish, New York, is a state-regulated structure built in 1952 on the North Branch Salmon River.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet. With a surface area of 20 acres and a drainage area of 0.46 square miles, the dam serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, making it a vital component of the region's water resource management.
Despite being classified as having low hazard potential and not rated for condition assessment, the Frederick Britton Wildlife Marsh Dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and lack of recent inspections. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 50 feet, and its maximum discharge capacity is 214 cubic feet per second. While the dam is not owned or funded by federal agencies, it is subject to state oversight by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under state jurisdiction.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Frederick Britton Wildlife Marsh Dam's location on the North Branch Salmon River to be of interest, as it plays a crucial role in managing water levels and preserving the surrounding ecosystem. With its historic significance dating back to the 1950s, this earth dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. As discussions on climate change and water management continue to evolve, understanding the role of structures like the Frederick Britton Wildlife Marsh Dam becomes increasingly essential in adapting to future challenges and mitigating potential risks.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH BRANCH SALMON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.46 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Salmon River At Pineville Ny
|
962cfs |
Scriba Creek Near Constantia Ny
|
40cfs |
East Branch Fish Creek At Taberg Ny
|
499cfs |
Oneida River Near Euclid Ny
|
5330cfs |
Sandy Creek Near Adams Ny
|
245cfs |
Oswego River At Lock 7
|
6120cfs |
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.
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