Holley Waste Weir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Orleans, New York, the Holley Waste Weir Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, with construction completed in 1918.


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Summary

This concrete structure primarily serves the purpose of navigation along the East Branch of Sandy Creek, providing a storage capacity of 10,488 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 8,640 acre-feet. With a modest height of 15 feet and a length of 93 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources in the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the Holley Waste Weir Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Regular inspections and enforcement ensure the structural integrity of the dam, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting areas for potential improvement in ensuring the safety and resilience of the water infrastructure.

Overall, the Holley Waste Weir Dam serves as a vital component in the water resource management system, contributing to the navigation and flood control efforts in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the proper maintenance and monitoring of such structures are essential to safeguarding communities and ecosystems. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

93

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

East Br. Sandy Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

890

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

10488

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.