Oatka Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Leroy, Genesee County, New York, the Oatka Creek Dam is a concrete structure built in 1934 with a height of 15 feet and a length of 196 feet.


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Summary

Its primary purpose is listed as "Other," with a normal storage capacity of 230 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 470 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Oatka Creek, a vital water resource in the area with a drainage area of 140.13 square miles.

The Oatka Creek Dam is classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential and a "Moderate (3)" risk assessment. It is state-regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections every four years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 160 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 9660 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial flood control structure for the region. With its historical significance and important role in water resource management, the Oatka Creek Dam is a key infrastructure for climate and water resource enthusiasts to monitor and study in the context of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

196

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

OATKA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

140.13

Nid Storage

470

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.