Walter Hientz Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: O'Dell Marsh Dam Lake Hiram Club Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Walter Hientz Dam, located in Arcade, New York, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Situated on the TR-Cattaraugus Creek, this dam boasts a height of 19 feet, a length of 960 feet, and a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been rated for its condition but is inspected, regulated, and enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Despite its age, Walter Hientz Dam continues to offer recreational opportunities to visitors, with a surface area of 6 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 744 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 70 feet, and it is located within the jurisdiction of the state of New York. The dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have an emergency action plan in place, but it meets state permitting and inspection requirements.
Overall, Walter Hientz Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in Wyoming County, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. With its scenic location on the TR-Cattaraugus Creek, the dam is an important feature of the local landscape and a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its design, construction, and regulatory oversight.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
960 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CATTARAUGUS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Oatka Creek At Warsaw Ny
|
27cfs |
Genesee River At Portageville Ny
|
542cfs |
Tonawanda Creek At Attica Ny
|
61cfs |
Cayuga Creek Nr Lancaster Ny
|
27cfs |
Cazenovia Creek At Ebenezer Ny
|
102cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Gardenville Ny
|
417cfs |
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.
Walter Hientz Dam