Panama Dam

LITTLE BROKENSTRAW CREEK· Chautauqua, New York· Built 1910· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Panama Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length206 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage210 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge385 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDNY00784

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: No
Last Inspection: October 31, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

GERRY A GREEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Panama Dam?

Panama 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 Panama Dam?

Panama Dam is owned by GERRY A GREEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Panama Dam built?

Panama Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Panama Dam?

Panama 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 Panama Dam?

Panama Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Panama Dam last inspected?

Panama Dam was last inspected on October 31, 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.