Lake Elizabeth Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mill Pond Dam Second Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Grafton, New York, the Lake Elizabeth Dam is a privately-owned structure regulating the waters of the Quacken Kill.
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Summary
Built in 1950, this recreational dam stands at 18 feet high and stretches 170 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. With a surface area of 14 acres and a drainage area of 1.25 square miles, the dam boasts a spillway width of 20 feet and a hazard potential rated as low.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the operation, inspection, and enforcement of the Lake Elizabeth Dam, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. Despite being deemed as not rated in terms of condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk level. While emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps have not been updated or developed, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose for recreation in the Rensselaer County area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of the Lake Elizabeth Dam in maintaining a balanced ecosystem and providing a recreational space for the community. As a vital component in managing the flow of the Quacken Kill, this earth dam symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
170 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
QUACKEN KILL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
1.25 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hudson River At Lock 1 Near Waterford Ny
|
4430cfs |
Hudson R Above Lock 1 Nr Waterford Ny
|
4840cfs |
Hoosic River Near Eagle Bridge Ny
|
413cfs |
Hudson River At Green Island Ny
|
3650cfs |
Green River At Williamstown
|
31cfs |
Mohawk River At Cohoes Ny
|
2440cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lake Elizabeth Dam