Minetto Lock & Dam 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Minetto Lock & Dam 5, located on the Oswego River in Oswego, New York, is a concrete gravity dam completed in 1915 primarily for hydroelectric generation and navigation purposes.


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Summary

With a structural height of 22.5 feet and a length of 500 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 3,950 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 30,000 cubic feet per second. The dam is under the ownership of the State and is not regulated by the state regulatory agency, making it a significant water resource structure in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Minetto Lock & Dam 5 poses a high hazard potential due to its design and location. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans have been prepared and updated periodically to ensure public safety in case of any unforeseen events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and multi-arch core types add to its unique features, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the engineering and environmental aspects of such structures.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

22.5

River Or Stream

Oswego River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

350

Drainage Area

5092

Nid Storage

3950

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

23
       
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.