Red House Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Red House Lake Dam, located in Cattaraugus County, New York, was completed in 1929 and stands at a height of 26 feet with a length of 1425 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 110 acres and a storage capacity of 766 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Red House Brook and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety.

The dam has a significant hazard potential and is classified as high risk, prompting regular inspections every four years. Although its condition has not been officially rated, an emergency action plan was last revised in February 2020. Red House Lake Dam does not have a spillway but features a spillway width of 150 feet. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for residents in the area, showcasing the importance of maintaining and monitoring water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

1425

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

RED HOUSE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

110

Nid Storage

766

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.