Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #1, located in Machias, New York, stands as a crucial structure in flood risk reduction efforts along the Ischua Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam measures 27 feet in height and spans 490 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3,677 acre-feet. Despite its high hazard potential, recent inspections have deemed its condition satisfactory, ensuring its ability to effectively manage floodwaters and protect the surrounding area.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the NYS DEC, Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #1 plays a vital role in safeguarding the community from potential flooding events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 530 feet, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 12,814 cubic feet per second, providing an essential outlet for excess water during times of high flow. With a drainage area of 13.1 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in maintaining the watershed's hydrological balance.
Despite its age, Ischua Creek Watershed Dam #1 continues to be a reliable asset in flood risk management, with regular inspections and maintenance ensuring its continued effectiveness. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of satisfactory condition assessments, this earth dam stands as a testament to successful collaboration between federal and state agencies in protecting communities and water resources from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
490 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
ISCHUA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
167 |
Drainage Area |
13.1 |
Nid Storage |
3677 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
|
1540cfs |
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny
|
490cfs |
Genesee River At Portageville Ny
|
542cfs |
Oatka Creek At Warsaw Ny
|
27cfs |
Allegheny River At Eldred
|
473cfs |
Cazenovia Creek At Ebenezer Ny
|
102cfs |
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 #1