Charles J Owens Dam Reservoir Report

Nearby: Pa-113 Wanzo

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Charles J Owens Dam, located in Lounsberry, New York, is a private dam primarily used for recreation on the TR-Hunts Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 480 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is regulated by the NYS DEC and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure safety and compliance.

Despite being classified as low hazard, Charles J Owens Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and regulating water flow in the area. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 24 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 110 cubic feet per second. The dam's normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet supports a surface area of 7 acres, benefitting both the local community and wildlife in the surrounding Tioga County.

With its location in the Buffalo District and oversight by the NYS DEC, Charles J Owens Dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience efforts in New York. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation while contributing to the overall safety and sustainability of the region's water resources.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TR-HUNTS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.