Watsons Waste Weir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Middleport, New York, the Watsons Waste Weir Dam serves as a vital structure for navigation along Johnson Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1918, this concrete dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 75 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 10,488 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 50 feet, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 764 cubic feet per second, ensuring efficient water management within the 1.6 square mile drainage area.

Operated and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Watsons Waste Weir Dam is designated as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite being in moderate risk, the dam's condition remains unrated, and no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared. Regular inspections, the last conducted in November 2020, ensure continued safety and functionality of the dam for navigation purposes. With its historical significance and essential role in water resource management, Watsons Waste Weir Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure in mitigating climate impacts.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Johnson Cr

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

890

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

10488

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.