Ballard Mill

Salmon River· Franklin, New York· Built 1901· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Ballard Mill is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 5.1% in NY)
Dam Length303 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area159 sq mi
Max Discharge6,140 cfs
Year Completed1901 (125 years old)
NID IDNY12812

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 27, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ballard Mill?

Ballard Mill is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Ballard Mill?

Ballard Mill is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ballard Mill built?

Ballard Mill was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Ballard Mill?

Ballard Mill serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ballard Mill?

Ballard Mill has a dam height of 8 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 Ballard Mill last inspected?

Ballard Mill was last inspected on September 27, 2022. 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.