Shelby Center Dam, located in Shelby, New York, along the Oak Orchard Creek, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1870.
Wind
Humidity
Owned privately, this dam stands 6 feet tall and spans a length of 150 feet, with a storage capacity of 10 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control, and is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Shelby Center Dam is classified as a controlled spillway type structure with a spillway width of 150 feet. Despite its age, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its emergency action plan status remains unclear. Inspected every four years, the dam's risk management measures and inundation maps are yet to be fully prepared.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shelby Center Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic masonry structure still in operation in Western New York. With a focus on risk assessment and management, the dam's significance lies in its potential impact on the surrounding community and environment, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness for aging infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
6 |
River Or Stream |
OAK ORCHARD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
10 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
6 |