Smiths Mills Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Smiths Mills Reservoir Dam, located in Chautauqua, New York, was completed in 1906 and serves as a critical water supply source for the local community.
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Summary
With a dam height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, this concrete structure on Silver Creek plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 59 feet wide, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 235 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Smiths Mills Reservoir Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for ongoing inspection and maintenance. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, prompting the need for continued risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both water supply and climate resilience purposes.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Smiths Mills Reservoir Dam to be a compelling example of infrastructure that plays a crucial role in water management and environmental protection. As a key component of the local water supply system, this dam underscores the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and maintenance to address potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing relevance in water management, Smiths Mills Reservoir Dam stands as a reminder of the essential role that infrastructure plays in supporting communities and protecting the environment.
Year Completed |
1906 |
Dam Length |
90 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
SILVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
27 |
Drainage Area |
15.89 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny
|
490cfs |
Chadakoin River At Falconer Ny
|
64cfs |
Cazenovia Creek At Ebenezer Ny
|
102cfs |
Buffalo Creek At Gardenville Ny
|
417cfs |
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
|
1540cfs |
Cayuga Creek Nr Lancaster Ny
|
27cfs |
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.
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