Darien Lake Fun Country Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Darien Lake Fun Country Dam, also known as Six Flags Darien Lake Dam, is a privately owned recreational dam located in Alden, New York.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1954, stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 850 feet in length, creating a surface area of 25 acres and a storage capacity of 172 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Crooked Creek, the dam serves as a key component for the purpose of recreation, offering visitors to Darien Lake Fun Country Park a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a significant hazard potential, the condition of the dam is currently not assessed. The spillway, with a width of 77 feet, is designed as uncontrolled to handle a maximum discharge of 201 cubic feet per second, providing a vital safety feature in case of overflow events. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk.

Overall, Darien Lake Fun Country Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while also serving as a protective structure for the surrounding area. With its scenic location and important functions, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and public enjoyment in the state of New York.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.