Velasko Road Detention Basin Dam
Velasko Road Detention Basin Dam is an earth dam located in Onondaga County, New York, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Velasko Road Detention Basin Dam
The primary purpose of Velasko Road Detention Basin Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Onondaga County Dept Of Water Environment Protection (local government). It impounds the Harbor Brook near Syracuse.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 1,360 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 178 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/23/2023.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Onondaga |
| Nearest City | Syracuse |
| River/Stream | Harbor Brook |
| Coordinates | 43.03639, -76.18222 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,360 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 178 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,850 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | ONONDAGA COUNTY DEPT OF WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/23/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00688 |
| Federal ID | NY00688 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |