Alcove Dam

HANNACROIS CREEK· Albany, New York· Built 1929· Earth· 80 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Alcove Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	80 ft (taller than 97.1% in NY)
Dam Length	2,180 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	40.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage	29.5K acre-ft

Surface Area	1,434 acres
Drainage Area	33 sq mi
Max Discharge	12,410 cfs
Year Completed	1929 (97 years old)
NID ID	NY00093

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: June 24, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

ALBANY WATER BOARD

Local Government

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Basic Creek Dam

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Beaver Dam Lake Dam

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Tranquility Camp Dam

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Nancy Lawson Dam

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Carelas Lake Dam

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Coxsackie Reservoir Dam

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Vly Creek Reservoir Dam

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High Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Alcove Dam?

Alcove Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Alcove Dam?

Alcove Dam is owned by ALBANY WATER BOARD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Alcove Dam built?

Alcove Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Alcove Dam?

Alcove Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Alcove Dam?

Alcove Dam has a dam height of 80 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Alcove Dam last inspected?

Alcove Dam was last inspected on June 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.