West Seneca Industrial Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The West Seneca Industrial Park Dam, located in Erie County, New York, along the Seneca Creek, was completed in 1993 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 6 feet and stretches 282 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 15.8 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 130 feet and is owned by the local government of West Seneca and south Buffalo. Despite not having a condition assessment rating, the dam is deemed to meet regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency action plans for any potential risks. With a history of no reported modifications, the West Seneca Industrial Park Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating flood hazards in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and functionality fascinating in the context of sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

282

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

SENECA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

6
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.