Madison Reservoir Dam (Lake Moraine) Rehabilitation Project

Rehabilitation Project

This is a large-scale construction project that will take multiple years to complete. To complete
the project safely, efficiently and to manage flow through the reservoir, the work will be
completed in two main phases. During the first phase, the new low-level outlet system will be
constructed. During the second phase, the new spillway will be constructed. The reservoir will
remain drawn down throughout both of these phases of major work.

The primary components of the proposed rehabilitation project include:

• Demolishing the existing concrete spillway and replacing it with a larger
  concrete labyrinth spillway.
• Decommissioning the existing low-level outlet system and construction of a
  new siphon low-level outlet system.
• Improvements to the earthen embankments which include slightly raising
  the dam crest in limited areas (less than 1-foot), buttressing and regrading the
  embankment slopes, and installing drainage systems.
• Various site enhancements like new access roads

Reservoir Drawdown

In order to complete the project safely, efficiently, and to manage flow through the reservoir,
the reservoir will be drawn down to a target level of 10 feet below the crest of the existing
spillway. The elevation of the existing spillway crest is 1211 BCD, and the target drawdown
elevation will be 1201 BCD. It is anticipated that the upper lake (north of the causeway) will be
maintained at a slightly higher level, around elevation 1205 BCD. This is subject to review and
permitting by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). (BCD is
an abbreviation for Barge Canal Datum which is the local datum that Canals uses at the site.)

At this time, the drawdown of the reservoir is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026, and the
reservoir is anticipated to reach the full drawdown level (elevation 1201 BCD) by Summer
2026. The reservoir is anticipated to remain drawn down for the full duration of major
construction work through the end of 2027.

The following images are renderings of what the reservoir may look like during the full 10-foot
drawdown – showing the approximate extents of water within the reservoir and areas that will
become exposed.

The following maps and files are provided to help those that may be affected to
plan and prepare for this period.

• The first link is a Drawdown Map which depicts the reservoir at the
  full drawdown level along with the property lines of the surrounding area.
• The second link is a Bathymetry Map which shows contours of the
  reservoir along with the drawdown level.
  Madison Reservoir Drawdown Map
  Madison Reservoir Bathymetry Map

The following .kmz file can be downloaded and viewed interactively in Google Earth or other free online utilities. The file depicts different elevations (contours) within the reservoir, including the drawdown level and other relevant elevations.

• Madison Reservoir Contours

Project Schedule & Updates

We are proceeding as carefully and as thoughtfully as possible to ensure we carry
out a project that is done responsibly, safely, in accordance with all state and federal
regulations, while mitigating impacts to the community to the greatest extent possible.

Project Repository

The following project outreach and correspondence have been shared with the
community. Additional materials will be added here as they are shared.
 

• Public Information Sessions: 
  Public information Sessions were held on July 23, 2024, and October 8, 2025, at Colgate University. Recordings of each session and copies of the presentations can be viewed below.
  
  October 2025 Public Information Session
  October 2025 Public Information Session Presentation
  July 2024 Public Information Session
  July 2024 Public Information Session Presentation
   
• Reservoir Drawdown Notice:
  In July 2025, a mailer was sent to notify properties surrounding the
  reservoir of the anticipated reservoir drawdown.
  
  July 2025 Drawdown Notice Mailer