Vanista Hollow Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Vanista Hollow Pond Dam, located in North Afton, New York, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Completed in 2008, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 450 feet, providing a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is regulated and inspected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam, situated on TR-Wilkins Brook in Chenango County, New York, also serves recreational purposes and covers a surface area of 7 acres within a drainage area of 0.56 square miles. It has a maximum discharge capacity of 449 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway type. Despite not being rated for its condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every four years, with the most recent one conducted in January 2021. While the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk management measures for the dam are not specified, its location and design make it a notable feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and conservation of aquatic habitats in the region.

Overall, Vanista Hollow Pond Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for maintaining fish and wildlife populations while offering recreational opportunities for the local community. Its construction and operation adhere to state regulations, with a focus on ensuring public safety and environmental stewardship. As a significant element in the water resource management of the area, this dam highlights the importance of sustainable practices and risk assessment in safeguarding water bodies and supporting biodiversity in the changing climate landscape of New York.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-WILKENS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.56

Nid Storage

116

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.