Bradley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Bradley Lake Dam, located in Troy, New York, stands as a vital structure along the Piscawan Kill river.


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Summary

Built in 1859, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 50 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 7 acres for recreational activities.

Despite its age, Bradley Lake Dam remains in fair condition as of the last assessment in April 2019. The dam is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and integrity. Classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway measuring 70 feet in width. In the event of an emergency, preparations have been made, with risk assessments rating the dam's overall risk as moderate.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bradley Lake Dam stands as a testament to historical engineering and a valuable resource for the community. Its serene waters and surrounding landscape offer a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to connect with nature and enjoy recreational activities in a safe and well-maintained environment.

Year Completed

1859

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

PISCAWAN KILL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

2.51

Nid Storage

215

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

50
       
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.