Harwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Harwood Lake Dam, located in Franklinville, New York, is a state-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at 22 feet tall and spans a length of 1070 feet, providing a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to offer recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating on the 35-acre surface area of Harwood Lake.
Managed by the NYS DEC, Harwood Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite being inspected regularly, its condition remains unrated. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in August 2020. With a history of moderate risk and high hazard potential, enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Harwood Lake Dam an intriguing case study in dam safety and management practices.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1070 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR-ISCHUA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Nid Storage |
350 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Genesee River At Portageville Ny
|
542cfs |
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
|
1540cfs |
Oatka Creek At Warsaw Ny
|
27cfs |
Genesee River At Wellsville Ny
|
136cfs |
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny
|
490cfs |
Allegheny River At Eldred
|
473cfs |
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.
Harwood Lake Dam