Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam

Erie Canal· Saratoga, New York· Built 1918· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Navigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is navigation. 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 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length323 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage196 acre-ft
Normal Storage147 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,800 cfs
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDNY17177

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: No
Last Inspection: November 3, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass 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 Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam is owned by New York State Canal Corporation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam built?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam last inspected?

Lock E-3 Spillway Bypass Dam was last inspected on November 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.