Freemans Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Freemans Dam, located in Orchard Park, New York, is a concrete structure built in 1912 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on Smoke Creek, this dam stands at 10 feet tall and spans a length of 300 feet. With a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet, it covers a surface area of 10 acres and serves a drainage area of 4.6 square miles.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Freemans Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and is categorized as having a significant hazard potential. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its long-term integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Freemans Dam as a historic structure that provides valuable recreational opportunities while also posing important considerations for risk management and safety measures. As a notable feature on Smoke Creek, the dam's significance lies in its role in water management and its impact on the surrounding environment, making it a focal point for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SMOKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

4.6

Nid Storage

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.