Franklin Falls

Saranac River· Franklin, New York· Built 1906· Concrete· 45 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Franklin Falls is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 90.4% in NY)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage5.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.6K acre-ft
Surface Area485 acres
Drainage Area291 sq mi
Max Discharge4,070 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDNY00217

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: July 13, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P.

Private

Nearby Dams

Worrell Pond Dam

Franklin, NY

Low Hazard 11 ft

Union Falls

Clinton, NY

High Hazard 24 ft

Lake Placid Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 7 ft

Mckenzie Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 7 ft

Taylor Pond Dam

Clinton, NY

High Hazard 31 ft

Kushaqua Lake Outlet Dam

Franklin, NY

Low Hazard 19 ft

Wilmington Dam

Essex, NY

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Wolf Pond Dam

Essex, NY

Low Hazard 7 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Franklin Falls?

Franklin Falls 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 Franklin Falls?

Franklin Falls is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Franklin Falls built?

Franklin Falls was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Franklin Falls?

Franklin Falls 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 Franklin Falls?

Franklin Falls has a dam height of 45 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 Franklin Falls last inspected?

Franklin Falls was last inspected on July 13, 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.