Belnap Briggs & Stremba Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Belnap Briggs & Stremba Pond Dam, located in Mcgraw, New York, is a private earth dam completed in 1953 for the primary purpose of serving as a fish and wildlife pond.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 9 feet and a length of 320 feet, with a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. It is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and has a low hazard potential rating, indicating a lower risk of failure.

The dam, situated on Smith Brook, has a spillway width of 62 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 455 cubic feet per second. With a normal storage capacity of 31 acre-feet and a surface area of 16 acres, it plays a crucial role in supporting fish and wildlife habitats in the area. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Overall, Belnap Briggs & Stremba Pond Dam serves as a vital resource for the local ecosystem and demonstrates the importance of maintaining and regulating dams for environmental conservation and water resource management. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the role this dam plays in supporting biodiversity and wildlife in Cortland, New York.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

SMITH BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

95

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.