Sunset Saddle Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sunset Saddle Dam, also known as Holimont Lower Reservoir, is a private dam located in Ellicottville, New York, with a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 750 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 34 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is state-regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
With a drainage area of 0.01 square miles and a maximum discharge of 12 cubic feet per second, Sunset Saddle Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Cattaraugus County region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 26 feet, ensuring proper water release during heavy inflows. Despite being last inspected in October 2017, the dam's condition remains unrated, signifying the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and ensure public safety.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the vital role that Sunset Saddle Dam plays in managing water storage and flood control in the area. As a privately-owned structure with state oversight, the dam's significance lies in its ability to mitigate potential risks and safeguard surrounding communities from potential inundation events. Continued assessments and management measures are essential to uphold the dam's functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
NONE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.01 |
Nid Storage |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Allegheny River At Salamanca Ny
|
1540cfs |
Cattaraugus Creek At Gowanda Ny
|
490cfs |
Allegheny River At Eldred
|
473cfs |
Chadakoin River At Falconer Ny
|
64cfs |
Conewango Creek At Russell
|
822cfs |
Oswayo Creek At Shinglehouse
|
60cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sunset Saddle Dam