Medina Aqueduct Dam

ERIE CANAL· Orleans, New York· Built 1967· Concrete· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric State Government

Key Takeaway

Medina Aqueduct Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 61.3% in NY)
Dam Length305 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage6 acre-ft
Normal Storage5 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge180 cfs
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDNY00588

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 10, 2008
State Regulated: No
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Medina Aqueduct Dam?

Medina Aqueduct Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Medina Aqueduct Dam?

Medina Aqueduct 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 Medina Aqueduct Dam built?

Medina Aqueduct Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Medina Aqueduct Dam?

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

How tall is Medina Aqueduct Dam?

Medina Aqueduct Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Medina Aqueduct Dam last inspected?

Medina Aqueduct Dam was last inspected on September 10, 2008. 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.