UNDERSTANDING SARATOGA LAKE LEVELS
Saratoga Lake levels are controlled by a privately owned dam on Fish Creek. SLPID and the owners of the Dam have an agreement on maintaining the lake level within Saratoga Lake.
Many factors are involved with the delicate operation of the dam and controlling water levels. The dam operation is not only for Saratoga Lake but other communities downstream.
Saratoga Lake has a vast watershed of 244 square miles entering the lake. Beyond recreation, downstream community safety is an issue with flooding, which may sometimes factor in maintaining a higher or a lower lake level to protect other communities. Water quality, lake access, and weed control are also considered. Lake levels are adjusted to protect wildlife and help control aquatic weed growth along the shoreline.
One inch of rain can raise the lake level by three inches, making the water level challenging to control for the dam operator.
With climate changes occurring, bringing more intense weather conditions such as superstorms and drought periods, consistent water levels can be even more challenging to maintain.
The ideal summer water level is 203.1 – 203.7. There is no winter water level to be maintained. From November – April, water levels are weather dependent. At the end of October, the dam will be opened, and you will begin to see the water level drop.
Please take all of this into consideration when thinking of the lake level. If you have questions regarding the Saratoga Lake level or its operation, please call SLPID at 518-223-3252.
Current Lake Levels from USGS – May 2023 – for real time levels Click Here
Yearly Summary Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2022 from USGS
Yearly Summary Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2021 from USGS
Yearly Summary Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2020 from USGS
Yearly Summary Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2019 from USGS
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2018 from USGS (PDF)
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2017 from USGS (PDF)
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2016 from USGS (PDF)
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2015 from USGS (PDF)
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2014 from USGS (PDF)
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2013 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2012 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2011 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2010 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2009 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2008 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2007 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2006 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2005 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2004 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2003 in MS Excel Format
Water Level, Saratoga Lake 2002 in MS Excel Format