Hickory Lake Dam

SOUTH BRANCH SMOKE CREEK· Erie, New York· Built 1990· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hickory Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 9% in NY)
Dam Length850 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage37 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge730 cfs
Year Completed1990 (36 years old)
NID IDNY10375

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 21, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

LAKERIDGE ASSOCIATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hickory Lake Dam?

Hickory Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hickory Lake Dam?

Hickory Lake Dam is owned by LAKERIDGE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hickory Lake Dam built?

Hickory Lake Dam was completed in 1990, making it 36 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Hickory Lake Dam?

Hickory Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hickory Lake Dam?

Hickory Lake Dam has a dam height of 9 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Hickory Lake Dam last inspected?

Hickory Lake Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.