Glenwood Lake Dam
Glenwood Lake Dam is a concrete dam located in Orleans County, New York, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Glenwood Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Glenwood Lake 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 Ridgeway.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 1,900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 80 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 150 square miles. Completed in 1903, 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.
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 | Ridgeway |
| River/Stream | Oak Orchard Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.23778, -78.39389 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,840 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 150 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,480 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 | NY00717 |
| Federal ID | NY00717 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |