Lake Moraine, a popular site for recreation just a few miles from Colgate University’s campus, is expected to undergo a significant water-level draining as part of a state rehabilitation project on the Madison Reservoir Dam, the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) announced on July 23, 2024. NYSCC, which owns and manages the dam, has announced plans for an extensive renovation to ensure the dam’s long-term safety and functionality.
Constructed in 1836 as an impoundment of Madison Brook, the dam was originally designed to feed into the Chenango Canal. Although it no longer serves that purpose, as the Chenango Canal was closed in 1878, it has since become the central feature of Lake Moraine, supporting both recreation and the local ecosystem. The NYSCC has not completed major rehabilitation work on the dam since 1983.
The current project will include replacement of the spillway and low-level outlet system, along with improvements to the dam’s earthen embankments. The project is currently in the design phase and is expected to continue through 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and is expected to last approximately two years, with the lake being drawn down for the duration of the work through 2027. The drainage is expected to be approximately ten feet below the normal level to accommodate construction.
Officials emphasize that while there is no immediate danger, the dam has been classified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as a high-hazard Class C dam. This designation means that a failure could cause severe downstream damage or even loss of life, underscoring the importance of the dam’s rehabilitation. According to the NYSCC’s website, the goal of the rehabilitation plans is to ensure safety.
“The work planned in the coming years is extensive,” the Canal Corporation said. “An extensive rehabilitation will ensure the dam is designed to current standards and continues to function safely.”
While the state focuses on structural safety, many visitors are also monitoring the lake’s health.
“Lake Moraine has algae blooms frequently during the spring, summer and fall seasons. It’s a regular pattern of lake organisms,” the Lake Moraine Association said. “In July, there was a DEC-confirmed harmful algae bloom. They don’t provide us with any further information. Due to the new DEC regulations that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. They prevented us from treating the algae this past summer.”
The algae issue adds another layer of concern for those who live around the lake or use it recreationally. Three aquatic invasive species — Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort — have already established themselves in the lake. Other invasive species, including water chestnut, zebra mussels and Asian clam, have spread to lakes across New York and remain a threat to Lake Moraine’s ecosystem.
Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Joe Levy echoed the sentiment that addressing these issues through rehabilitation will improve safety and mark a step in the right direction for responding to the threats of climate change.
“I think it’s important for the safety of our village to lower the water level and make the repairs,” Levy said. “Being resilient to climate change means shoring up our infrastructure, especially our water infrastructure as summer storms become more intense.”
Chuck Fox ‘70, a Colgate alumnus and town resident, expressed an optimistic perspective toward the rehabilitation.
“I think most people who live on the lake understand that maintaining the dam is a necessary part of having a safe and healthy lake environment, even at the inconvenience of losing access to the waterfront for a season or two,” Fox said. “We are among a number of people who plan to take advantage of the situation to make improvements to our dock and waterfront, and lowering the water level will enable us to do a major cleanup of the lake.”
Like Fox’s hopeful outlook on responding to change, Levy also sees this situation as an opportunity to learn more through student research.
“There’s a lot of opportunity for research about how the lake functions as the shore zone widens,” Levy said. “I’m hoping we can put together some student projects that help us understand how these little human-made lakes turn over and change as we tinker with them.”
The NYSCC has promised additional public information sessions as design and construction progress. An initial meeting was held in July 2024, with more planned to gather input from residents and students. An information session took place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Love Auditorium, and a second meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m., with registration details to be announced.
