Oak Orchard Creek Dam
Oak Orchard Creek Dam is a concrete dam located in Orleans County, New York, built in 1917. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Oak Orchard Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Oak Orchard Creek Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, Lp/brookfield Renewable (private). It impounds the Oak Orchard Creek near Waterport Station.
The dam stands 90 feet tall and stretches 760 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 335 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 10,050 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 216 square miles. Completed in 1917, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/11/2023.
At 90 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Orleans |
| Nearest City | Waterport Station |
| River/Stream | Oak Orchard Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.32667, -78.24000 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 90 ft |
| Dam Height | 90 ft |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 10,050 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 10,050 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8,884 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 335 acres |
| Drainage Area | 216 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/11/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00485 |
| Federal ID | NY00485 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |