Buffalo Pound Dam Infrastructure Projects

The emergency spillway was upgraded in 2024 to help Buffalo Pound safely manage high water levels. The project restored the dam crest to its original height and added rock protection along the southeast side of the dam to reduce erosion. These improvements will help protect the dam, reduce the risk of damage during high-water events and strengthen long-term flood management.

WSA has completed major upgrades to the Buffalo Pound control structure, improving its safety, reliability and long-term performance. The project included the construction of a new control building, replacement of aging mechanical and electrical systems, installation of permanent and backup power supplies, concrete repairs, shoreline erosion protection, and enhanced safety features such as fencing, signage and a safety boom system. The project also improved fish passage through the structure. Together, these upgrades will help ensure reliable operation during both normal conditions and severe weather, while enhancing safety for staff and the public.

Completed in 2022, rehabilitation work on the Buffalo Pound dam bridge deck included concrete repairs, bridge joint repairs and new asphalt surfacing to extend the structure’s service life. These improvements help ensure safe access across the dam and support ongoing operations.

This project addresses seepage and erosion along the dam embankment to improve the structure’s long-term stability. The work includes installing steel sheet piling and reshaping sections of the embankment to strengthen and stabilize the dam. These improvements will help reduce erosion and support the long-term safety and reliability of the structure.

WSA is enhancing monitoring, safety and security at Buffalo Pound by installing cameras, water-level monitoring equipment, structural sensors and other security upgrades. The new technology will help staff monitor site conditions and track the performance of the control structure in real time. These systems will support operations, improve maintenance planning and provide better information to guide decision-making during events such as spring runoff and ice breakup.