Lock 33 Dam Erie Canal
Lock 33 Dam Erie Canal is a concrete dam located in Monroe County, New York, built in 1908. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Lock 33 Dam Erie Canal
The primary purpose of Lock 33 Dam Erie Canal is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by New York State Canal Corporation (state). It impounds the New York State Barge Canal near Pittsford.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 88 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 200 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1908, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 03/28/2024.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Monroe |
| Nearest City | Pittsford |
| River/Stream | New York State Barge Canal |
| Coordinates | 43.09611, -77.57111 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 88 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 03/28/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY01540 |
| Federal ID | NY01540 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |