Dead Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rainbow Falls Alice Falls
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Dead Creek Dam, located in Clinton, New York, is a state-owned earth dam designed for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
With a height of 8 feet and a length of 200 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 24 acres. The dam is situated on TR-Lake Champlain and is regulated by the NYS DEC, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate (3). The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second. The last inspection of Dead Creek Dam took place in October 1999, with its condition currently labeled as "Not Rated." While the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets state guidelines and continues to be monitored for any potential risks or management measures that may need to be implemented in the future.
Overall, Dead Creek Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the area, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other leisure activities. With its strategic location on Lake Champlain and its capacity for water storage, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting the local ecosystem and maintaining water levels in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to stay informed about the condition and management of dams like Dead Creek to ensure their continued safety and effectiveness in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LAKE CHAMPLAIN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ausable Point - DEC
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Primitive Campsite 15
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Primitive Campsite 16
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Primitive Campsite 20
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Primitive Campsite 19
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Primitive Campsite 14
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Dead Creek Dam
Peru Boat Launch