Conewango Creek Site 6 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Conewango Creek Site 6 Dam, located in Cherry Creek, New York, is a significant earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1971 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Cherry Creek.


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Summary

This dam stands at a height of 41 feet and stretches 1000 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 682 acre-feet and a normal storage volume of 137 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 2.56 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the NYS DEC, Conewango Creek Site 6 Dam is inspected every four years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during peak flow events. The hazard potential of the dam is deemed significant, with a moderate risk assessment rating, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment. Despite not being condition rated, the dam continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for flood protection in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the engineering and operational details of Conewango Creek Site 6 Dam, as well as its role in flood risk reduction and water management along Cherry Creek. The dam's location in Chautauqua County, New York, underlines its importance in the local ecosystem and its impact on water resources. With a focus on safety and regulation, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water infrastructure design and management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing flood risks.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

CHERRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

2.56

Nid Storage

682

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

41
       
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.