Lock E8 Scotia Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Lock E8 Scotia, located along the Mohawk River in Scotia, New York, is a state-regulated hydroelectric dam completed in 1910 with a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power and facilitating navigation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 530 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4,715 acre-feet and a controlled spillway width of 510 feet. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the dam has low hazard potential and is inspected regularly by both state and federal agencies.

The lock plays a crucial role in regulating water levels along the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River, contributing to the area's water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With a very high risk assessment rating, the dam is closely monitored for any potential hazards, although its condition assessment is currently not available. Despite its age, Lock E8 Scotia continues to operate efficiently, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure for sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Mohawk River (Erie Canal)

Primary Dam Type

Other

Surface Area

336

Drainage Area

3270

Nid Storage

4715

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.