Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #5 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #5, located in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, New York, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risk in the area.
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Summary
Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 54 feet and spans 1693 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1643 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-GATES CREEK and is regulated by the NYS DEC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #5 serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 22,137 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 376 feet. The structure is regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in May 2020, and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 indicates the importance of ongoing risk management measures to maintain its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flood events.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the significance of Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #5 as a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, designed to protect against flooding and ensure the safety of residents in Cattaraugus County, New York. As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts, this earth dam embodies the collaborative efforts of local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and state regulatory authorities to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the watershed area. The ongoing maintenance and inspections of the dam underscore the commitment to ensuring its continued functionality and effectiveness in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1693 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
TR-GATES CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
6.4 |
Nid Storage |
1643 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
54 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
|
1540cfs |
Allegheny River At Eldred
|
473cfs |
Genesee River At Portageville Ny
|
542cfs |
Genesee River At Wellsville Ny
|
136cfs |
Oswayo Creek At Shinglehouse
|
60cfs |
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny
|
490cfs |
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.
Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #5