Colonie Dam

STONY CREEK· Saratoga, New York· Built 1954· Earth· 57 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Colonie Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	57 ft (taller than 93.8% in NY)
Dam Length	926 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	8.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage	5.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	295 acres
Drainage Area	11 sq mi
Year Completed	1954 (72 years old)
NID ID	NY00204

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: January 3, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

LATHAM WATER DISTRICT

Public Utility

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Colonie Dam?

Colonie Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Colonie Dam?

Colonie Dam is owned by LATHAM WATER DISTRICT (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Colonie Dam built?

Colonie Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Colonie Dam?

Colonie Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Colonie Dam?

Colonie Dam has a dam height of 57 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Colonie Dam last inspected?

Colonie Dam was last inspected on January 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.