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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |