Cambridge Ave Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Buffalo, New York, the Cambridge Ave Detention Basin Dam serves as a crucial structure for fire protection and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this earth dam measures 8 feet in height and spans 1175 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles. The dam, situated on TR-Lake Erie, is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and has a spillway width of 45 feet for uncontrolled discharge.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the Cambridge Ave Detention Basin Dam has not been formally assessed for its condition. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam undergoes inspections every four years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. Emergency action plans have been prepared, but their adherence to guidelines and the availability of updated contact information remain unclear. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and management of dams like Cambridge Ave Detention Basin Dam are crucial for ensuring public safety and environmental protection in the face of potential emergencies.

Dam Length

1175

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR-LAKE ERIE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

48

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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.