Clear Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: April 12, 2026

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Clear Lake Dam, located in Gowanda, New York, is a concrete dam completed in 1925 with a primary purpose of water supply.


Summary

Standing at a height of 30 feet and spanning 650 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet and serves the surrounding area with a normal storage capacity of 650 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections, with a fair condition assessment as of 2017.

The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 91 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 4250 cubic feet per second. The hazard potential of Clear Lake Dam is deemed significant, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While no emergency action plan (EAP) information is provided, the dam is inspected every 4 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Overall, Clear Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition for the community's safety and water supply needs.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

NORTH BRANCH CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

5.95

Nid Storage

1000

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.
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