Dunkirk Steam Station Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

The Dunkirk Steam Station Pond Dam, located in Van Buren Bay, New York, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction mechanism along the TR-Van Buren Bay Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1991, this private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans 130 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as having a very high risk due to its critical role in flood prevention.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Dunkirk Steam Station Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 45 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 471 cubic feet per second. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unspecified, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Dunkirk Steam Station Pond Dam offers a glimpse into the intricate infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks in the Chautauqua County region. With its strategic location and structural features, this dam plays a vital role in protecting surrounding communities from potential inundation events. Monitoring its condition and emergency preparedness will be crucial in ensuring the continued safety and effectiveness of this essential flood control structure.

Year Completed

1991

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TR-VAN BUREN BAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.76

Nid Storage

119

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds