West Albany Storm Retention Basin A Dam

West Albany Storm Retention Basin A Dam is an earth dam located in Albany County, New York, built in 1980. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About West Albany Storm Retention Basin A Dam

The primary purpose of West Albany Storm Retention Basin A Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Town Of Colonie (local government). It impounds the Sand Creek near West Albany.

The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 180 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/16/2023.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyAlbany
Nearest CityWest Albany
River/StreamSand Creek
Coordinates42.69083, -73.77889

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height21 ft
Dam Height21 ft
Dam Length180 ft
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage61 acre-ft
Max Storage61 acre-ft
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge21 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerTOWN OF COLONIE
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection02/16/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY01491
Federal IDNY01491
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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