Canajoharie Reservoir Dam

Canajoharie Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Fulton County, New York, built in 1948. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Canajoharie Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Canajoharie Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Village Of Canajoharie (local government). It impounds the Sprite Creek near Ephratah.

The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 415 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 26 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 322 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/20/2023.

At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountyFulton
Nearest CityEphratah
River/StreamSprite Creek
Coordinates43.01083, -74.51778

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height40 ft
Dam Height40 ft
Dam Length415 ft
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage322 acre-ft
Max Storage322 acre-ft
Normal Storage286 acre-ft
Surface Area26 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge75 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerVILLAGE OF CANAJOHARIE
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection04/20/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY00214
Federal IDNY00214
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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