Delaware Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Delaware Park Lake Dam in the City of Buffalo, New York, is a concrete dam completed in 1980 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated along Scajaquada Creek, the dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 161 feet, providing a surface area of 26 acres and a drainage area of 22.7 square miles. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 273 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 220 acre-feet.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3300 cubic feet per second. Despite being categorized with a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and conservation of water infrastructure will find Delaware Park Lake Dam an intriguing subject of study due to its recreational significance and regulatory oversight. The dam's location along Scajaquada Creek and its role in providing water storage and flood control for the area showcase the intersection of human development and environmental protection. With a moderate risk assessment and a low hazard potential, the dam presents an opportunity for further examination into risk management measures and the potential impacts of climate change on its operation and safety.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

161

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SCAJAQUADA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

22.7

Nid Storage

273

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.