Burt Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Burt Dam, located in Olcott, New York, is a gravity dam with a height of 49 feet and a length of 328 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1924, the dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, utilizing a concrete and multi-arch design supported by a rock foundation. The dam controls Eighteen Mile Creek, with a drainage area of 77 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 6000 cubic feet per second.

With a storage capacity of 1330 acre-feet, Burt Dam provides essential water resource management for the surrounding area. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 77 feet, poses a high hazard potential, although the overall risk assessment is moderate. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the regulatory and inspection processes, ensuring the dam's structural integrity and operational safety. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting renewable energy production and maintaining water levels for ecological balance.

As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, Burt Dam represents a significant historical and environmental asset in Niagara County, New York. The dam's contribution to hydroelectric power generation and water storage underscores its importance in sustainable resource management and climate resilience efforts. With ongoing regulatory oversight and risk management measures in place, Burt Dam continues to play a vital role in balancing water resource needs and environmental protection in the region.

Year Completed

1924

Dam Length

328

Dam Height

49

River Or Stream

Eighteen Mile Creek

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

95

Drainage Area

77

Nid Storage

1330

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

49
       
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.