Curtis

Hudson River· Saratoga, New York· Built 1913· Concrete· 36 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Curtis is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 85.3% in NY)
Dam Length743 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage2.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.0K acre-ft
Surface Area390 acres
Drainage Area2,755 sq mi
Max Discharge37,500 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDNY00138

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 19, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Curtis/Palmer Hydroelectric Company, LP

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Curtis?

Curtis is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Curtis?

Curtis is owned by Curtis/Palmer Hydroelectric Company, LP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Curtis built?

Curtis was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Curtis?

Curtis 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 Curtis?

Curtis has a dam height of 36 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 Curtis last inspected?

Curtis was last inspected on May 19, 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.