Murder Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Murder Creek Dam, located in Griswold, New York, was completed in 1927 and primarily serves as a recreational area.


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Summary

With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 400 feet, it has a storage capacity of 275 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 37 acres. The dam is situated on Murder Creek and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, it has been rated as "Not Rated" in terms of its condition assessment.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and is regularly inspected by state authorities. While the risk assessment for Murder Creek Dam is considered moderate, it has not been assigned a Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) date. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years, and there are no emergency action plans (EAP) in place. The condition of the dam is currently not rated, but it meets state regulatory requirements for inspection and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Murder Creek Dam an interesting case study due to its historical significance, recreational purpose, and moderate risk assessment. The dam serves as a vital recreational area in Erie County, New York, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and water-based recreation. With its low hazard potential and regular regulatory oversight, Murder Creek Dam presents a unique combination of historical importance and modern safety standards that make it an intriguing subject for further study and exploration in the context of water resource management and climate adaptation.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

MURDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

275

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.