Spillway E-2 Bypass Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Spillway E-2 Bypass Dam, located in the Village of Waterford, Saratoga County, New York, serves as a crucial structure for navigation along the Erie Canal.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1918, this earthen dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 141 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
With a high hazard potential due to its location and function, the Spillway E-2 Bypass Dam is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment are currently moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential threats. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1260 cubic feet per second, making it a critical component of the region's water resource infrastructure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Spillway E-2 Bypass Dam a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering designed to facilitate navigation and water management along the Erie Canal. Its historical significance, combined with its vital role in modern-day water infrastructure, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging dams to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1918 |
Dam Length |
141 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Erie Canal |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mohawk River At Cohoes Ny
|
2710cfs |
Hudson River At Lock 1 Near Waterford Ny
|
4430cfs |
Hudson R Above Lock 1 Nr Waterford Ny
|
3880cfs |
Hudson River At Green Island Ny
|
9190cfs |
Normans Kill At Albany Ny
|
80cfs |
Valatie Kill Near Nassau Ny
|
28cfs |
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.
Spillway E-2 Bypass Dam
123rd Street 6, City of Troy