Carry Falls Spillway
Key Takeaway
Carry Falls Spillway is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 76 ft (taller than 96.8% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 826 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 104.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 104.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 877 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00261 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P.
Private
Nearby Dams
Stark Falls Dike G
St. Lawrence, NY
Significant Hazard 10 ftBlake
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 80 ftRainbow
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 82 ftFive Falls
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 53 ftSouth Colton
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 42 ftWeller Pond Dam
St. Lawrence, NY
Low Hazard 15 ftHigley
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 37 ftColton
St. Lawrence, NY
High Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Carry Falls Spillway?
Carry Falls Spillway 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 Carry Falls Spillway?
Carry Falls Spillway is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Carry Falls Spillway built?
Carry Falls Spillway was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Carry Falls Spillway?
Carry Falls Spillway serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Carry Falls Spillway?
Carry Falls Spillway has a dam height of 76 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 Carry Falls Spillway last inspected?
Carry Falls Spillway was last inspected on June 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.