Newfane Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Newfane Dam, located in the town of Newfane, Niagara County, New York, is a private dam with a primary purpose classified as "Other." Built in 1912, this buttress-type dam stands at 14 feet high and spans 270 feet in length.


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Summary

It has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, serving the Eighteenmile Creek watershed with a drainage area of 75 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Newfane Dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge of 1400 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to maintain its integrity and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Newfane Dam a fascinating structure to study, given its historical significance, design features, and the critical role it plays in managing water resources in the region. As a privately owned dam with state regulatory oversight, it showcases the importance of collaboration between private owners and government agencies in maintaining and managing essential infrastructure for flood control, water supply, and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

EIGHTEENMILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

75

Nid Storage

25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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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.