Murder Creek Dam

MURDER CREEK· Erie, New York· Built 1927· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Murder Creek Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 12.4% in NY)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage275 acre-ft
Normal Storage275 acre-ft
Surface Area37 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDNY00478

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 14, 2011
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

ERIE COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Leisurewood Campground Dam

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Significant Hazard 7 ft

Darien Lake State Park Dam

Genesee, NY

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Spring Marsh Dam

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Low Hazard 8 ft

Darien Lake Fun Country Dam

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Significant Hazard 15 ft

Jericoh Lake Dam

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Significant Hazard 11 ft

Warren Bippert Pond Dam

Erie, NY

Low Hazard 13 ft

Iroquois #5 Dam

Orleans, NY

Low Hazard 11 ft

Ringneck Marsh Dam

Orleans, NY

Low Hazard 15 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Murder Creek Dam?

Murder Creek Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Murder Creek Dam?

Murder Creek Dam is owned by ERIE COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Murder Creek Dam built?

Murder Creek Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Murder Creek Dam?

Murder Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Murder Creek Dam?

Murder Creek Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Murder Creek Dam last inspected?

Murder Creek Dam was last inspected on July 14, 2011. 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.