History

The Chenango Canal was opened in 1836 to connect the Erie Canal to the Susquehanna River, Utica to Binghamton. Madison Brook was dammed up to create Madison Reservoir as a water source for the new canal.

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After it became popular as a recreational site, Madison Reservoir was renamed Lake Moraine in 1905, in recognition of the glacial moraines on its shores.

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The lake is now under the jurisdiction of the Canal Division of the New York State Thruway Authority.

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Statistics

The North Basin, above the Causeway, has approximately 79 acres, and the South Basin has approximately 182 acres.

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At its narrowest point—from Mitchell Point to the east shore—the lake is approximately 150 feet wide.

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Under normal conditions, the North Basin has a maximum depth of 12 feet, while the South Basin has a maximum depth of 47 feet.

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Lake Moraine is approximately 1,220 feet above sea level.