Middleport Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Middleport Reservoir Dam, located in Middleport, New York, was completed in 1931 and serves as a crucial water supply source for the local community.


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Summary

The dam stands at 21 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. It is primarily classified as an Earth dam and is designed to regulate Middleport Creek's flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1680 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government, the Middleport Reservoir Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam remains a fundamental piece of infrastructure that continues to support the community's water supply needs.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Middleport Reservoir Dam represents a significant engineering feat that contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in Niagara County, New York. With its controlled spillway and low hazard potential, the dam provides essential water supply services while also mitigating potential risks associated with flooding. As a key piece of infrastructure with a long history of service, the Middleport Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective dam management and regulation in ensuring the resilience of water systems in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

MIDDLEPORT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.