Conewango Creek Site 16a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Conewango Creek Site 16a Dam, located in East Randolph, New York, is a vital piece of infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC.


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Summary

Built in 1970 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and stretches over 2008 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1514 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 34840 cubic feet per second.

With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Conewango Creek Site 16a Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 400 feet, is designed as uncontrolled, making it essential for managing water flow during peak discharge events. Despite a lack of condition assessment rating, the dam is part of a risk management program to mitigate potential hazards and ensure emergency preparedness. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find this dam a critical piece of infrastructure in managing flood risk along Elm Creek in Cattaraugus County, New York.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

2008

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

ELM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Drainage Area

13.6

Nid Storage

1514

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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.