Ontario Parks Dam

TR-CANANDAIGUA LAKE· Ontario, New York· Built 1966· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Ontario Parks Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 56.3% in NY)
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage19 acre-ft
Normal Storage15 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge43 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDNY11079

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 4, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Ontario County

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ontario Parks Dam?

Ontario Parks Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Ontario Parks Dam?

Ontario Parks Dam is owned by Ontario County (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ontario Parks Dam built?

Ontario Parks Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Ontario Parks Dam?

Ontario Parks 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 Ontario Parks Dam?

Ontario Parks Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Ontario Parks Dam last inspected?

Ontario Parks Dam was last inspected on June 4, 2020. 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.