Erie Park Commission Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Erie Park Commission Dam, also known as Como Lake, is a concrete structure located in Lancaster, New York.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1926, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 12 acres and a normal storage capacity of 48 acre-feet. Situated on Cayuga Creek, the dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated in terms of condition assessment.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Erie Park Commission Dam is inspected, regulated, and permitted by state authorities. With a maximum discharge capacity of 9700 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and flood control in the region. While the dam does not have a spillway, it stands at a height of 15.5 feet and has a length of 189 feet, contributing to the overall drainage area of 99.35 square miles.

Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness features like an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), its risk assessment indicates a high level of risk (rated 2 out of 4). With its historical significance and importance for recreation and water management, the Erie Park Commission Dam remains a notable structure in Erie County, New York.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

189

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

CAYUGA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

99.35

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.