Caneadea Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rockville Lake Dam Bomac Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Caneadea Dam, also known as Rushford Lake, is a concrete dam located in Caneadea, Allegany County, New York.
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Summary
Completed in 1929, the dam serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along Caneadea Creek, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam stands at a height of 140 feet and spans a length of 625 feet, providing a storage capacity of 27,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 578 acres.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Caneadea Dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition. It features a controlled spillway with a width of 48 feet and is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam not only serves as a critical flood control measure but also provides recreational opportunities for the surrounding community, making it a key asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
With its long history of protecting the area from floods and providing valuable water storage, Caneadea Dam remains a significant infrastructure asset in New York. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of downstream communities. Through ongoing inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness measures, Caneadea Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
625 |
Dam Height |
140 |
River Or Stream |
CANEADEA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
578 |
Drainage Area |
61 |
Nid Storage |
27000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
140 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Caneadea Dam