Woodward Lake Dam dam
Woodward Lake Dam
Woodward Lake Dam, located in Northville, New York, serves as a vital structure along the TR-Sacandaga River for recreational purposes. Built in 1928, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans a length of 620 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1,120 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 460 acre-feet. The dam's significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment highlight the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 70 feet wide, plays a crucial role in managing water discharge during periods of high flow. With a drainage area of 3.8 square miles and a surface area of 96 acres, Woodward Lake Dam contributes to the overall water resource management in the region. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a key feature for both recreational activities and environmental conservation efforts along the Sacandaga River.
As the primary source of agency oversight for this private-owned dam, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulates its operations, inspections, and enforcement. The dam's location in Fulton County, New York, underlines its importance in maintaining water levels and flow for the surrounding communities and ecosystem. With a comprehensive understanding of Woodward Lake Dam's infrastructure and purpose, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate its role in balancing recreation, conservation, and safety considerations.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Woodward Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sacandaga River Near Hope Ny | 589 cfs | → |
| Sacandaga River At Stewarts Bridge Nr Hadley Ny | 433 cfs | → |
| Hudson River At Hadley Ny | 3,040 cfs | → |
| Glowegee Creek At West Milton Ny | 37 cfs | → |
| Schoharie Creek At Burtonsville Ny | 676 cfs | → |
| Otsquago Creek At Fort Plain Ny | 46 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Woodward Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Sacandaga Lake Dec Boat Launch
- Houseman Street Town Of Northampton
- Sacandaga Reservoir
- Broadalbin Public Boat Launch
- Overlook Road Town Of Hadley
- North Shore Road Town Of Hadley
Track Woodward Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Woodward Lake Dam
Where does the data for Woodward Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Woodward Lake Dam.