West Albany Storm Retention Basin B Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

West Albany Storm Retention Basin B Dam, located in West Albany, New York, is a crucial structure designed for flood risk reduction along the Sand Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans a length of 160 feet, with a storage capacity of 23.8 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality, with the last inspection conducted in April 2019.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the West Albany Storm Retention Basin B Dam serves as a vital component in mitigating flood risks in the area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 96 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during heavy rainfall events. While the dam's risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, ongoing risk management measures are in place to address any potential concerns and maintain the dam's operational effectiveness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the West Albany Storm Retention Basin B Dam presents an intriguing case study in flood risk reduction and infrastructure management. As a key structure in the local watershed, this dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the community against potential flooding events, highlighting the importance of proactive surveillance, maintenance, and risk mitigation strategies in ensuring the long-term resilience of water resources in the region.

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Sand Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.19

Nid Storage

23.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.