Burt Dam
Burt Dam is a gravity dam located in Niagara County, New York, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Burt Dam
The primary purpose of Burt 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 Olcott Harbor Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the Eighteen Mile Creek near Olcott.
The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 328 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 95 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,330 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 77 square miles. Completed in 1924, 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 06/30/2022.
At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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 | Niagara |
| Nearest City | Olcott |
| River/Stream | Eighteen Mile Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.31370, -78.71600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Length | 328 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,330 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,330 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,330 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 95 acres |
| Drainage Area | 77 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Olcott Harbor Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/30/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00745 |
| Federal ID | NY00745 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |