David Williams Recreational Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

David Williams Recreational Lake Dam in Friendship, New York, is a privately owned Earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 740 feet, creating a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet. Situated on TR-VAN CAMPEN CREEK, this dam has a low hazard potential and is regulated, inspected, and permitted by the NYS DEC, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a maximum discharge of 288 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 40 feet, this dam is equipped to handle moderate risks associated with its operation. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its current condition, but its risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards. The recreational lake created by this dam covers a surface area of 22 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 149 acre-feet, providing ample space for water-based activities in Allegany County, New York.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, David Williams Recreational Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study in private dam ownership and management. Its location in a picturesque setting, combined with its recreational purpose and state regulation, showcases the balance between water resource utilization and environmental protection. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper infrastructure maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources for both recreational and ecological purposes.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-VAN CAMPEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

246

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.