Lock C-12 dam
Lock C-12
Lock C-12, located in Whitehall, New York, is a state-owned hydroelectric structure on the Champlain Canal with a significant hazard potential. Constructed in 1911, this multi-arch dam stands at 21 feet tall and spans 170 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 2,880 acre-feet. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lock C-12 serves the dual purposes of hydroelectric power generation and navigation.
The dam features uncontrolled spillways, two slide gates, and one Tainter gate for outlet control. With a maximum discharge capacity of 17,800 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. While the condition assessment is currently not available, regular state inspections and enforcement ensure its operational integrity and safety.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Lock C-12 a fascinating example of early 20th-century hydroelectric infrastructure, blending historical significance with modern regulatory oversight. Its location on the Champlain Canal and proximity to the New York District showcase the intersection of water management, energy production, and environmental stewardship. As a vital component of the region's water infrastructure, Lock C-12 highlights the importance of sustainable dam operations and risk management in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Lock C-12 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Poultney River Below Fair Haven | 311 cfs | → |
| Mettawee River Near Middle Granville Ny | 244 cfs | → |
| Mettawee River Near Pawlet | 215 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek At Center Rutland | 606 cfs | → |
| Hudson River At Fort Edward Ny | 2,880 cfs | → |
| Putnam Creek East Of Crown Point Center Ny | 373 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lock C-12 .
Boat launches
- Skenesborough Drive 4, Whitehall
- South Bay State Boat Launch
- Kinni Kinnic Lane Poultney
- Lake Road 4819, Benson
- West Lake Road Wells
- Orwell
Campgrounds
- Bomoseen State Park
- St. Catherine State Park
- Camp Wakpominee
- Half Moon Pond State Park
- Lake Hadlock Inn, Beach And Campground
- Camp Walden & Woodstock Fruit Festival
Fishing spots
Track Lock C-12 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lock C-12
Where does the data for Lock C-12 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lock C-12 .