Lake Moraine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Lake Moraine Dam, also known as Madison Lake or Madison Reservoir, is a state-owned earth dam located in Hamilton, New York.


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Summary

Completed in 1836, this dam serves primarily for navigation purposes, with additional benefits for recreation and other uses. With a height of 56 feet and a length of 800 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 6300 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 260 acres.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Lake Moraine Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 rated it as fair. The spillway width of 110 feet and uncontrolled spillway type provide necessary measures for managing excess water flow during periods of high discharge.

Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Payne Brook and located in the Madison County, Lake Moraine Dam stands as a historic structure that continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Its moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1836

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

56

River Or Stream

PAYNE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

260

Drainage Area

8.05

Nid Storage

6300

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

56
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.