Warner Dam

CHADAKOIN RIVER· Chautauqua, New York· Built 1979· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Warner Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY)
Dam Length96 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage117.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage50.0K acre-ft
Surface Area13,421 acres
Drainage Area187 sq mi
Max Discharge6,629 cfs
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDNY00750

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: Yes
Last Inspection: October 31, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

NYS DEC - DIVISION OF WATER

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Warner Dam?

Warner 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 Warner Dam?

Warner Dam is owned by NYS DEC - DIVISION OF WATER (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Warner Dam built?

Warner Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Warner Dam?

Warner 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 Warner Dam?

Warner Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Warner Dam last inspected?

Warner 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.