Lock E-4 Embankment Dam

ERIE CANAL· Saratoga, New York· Built 1915· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Navigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lock E-4 Embankment Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 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 34 ft (taller than 83% in NY)
Dam Length2,860 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Normal Storage195 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDNY00968

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: 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-4 Embankment Dam?

Lock E-4 Embankment 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-4 Embankment Dam?

Lock E-4 Embankment 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-4 Embankment Dam built?

Lock E-4 Embankment Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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-4 Embankment Dam?

Lock E-4 Embankment 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-4 Embankment Dam?

Lock E-4 Embankment Dam has a dam height of 34 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-4 Embankment Dam last inspected?

Lock E-4 Embankment 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.