Canajoharie Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Canajoharie Reservoir Dam, located in Ephratah, New York, was completed in 1948 and serves as a vital water supply for the surrounding area.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 415 feet in length, containing a maximum storage capacity of 322 acre-feet. The reservoir is fed by Sprite Creek and covers a surface area of 26 acres, with a drainage area of 4 square miles.

Despite its essential role in providing water to the community, the Canajoharie Reservoir Dam has been rated as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in January 2019. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 200 feet, there are no outlet gates associated with the structure.

With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the Canajoharie Reservoir Dam faces challenges in maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area in case of emergencies. The dam's condition assessment in February 2019 highlighted the need for improved risk management measures and potentially updating the emergency action plan. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the maintenance and safety protocols of dams like the Canajoharie Reservoir Dam is crucial to ensure the sustainable management of water resources and infrastructure resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

SPRITE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

322

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

40
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.