Hoosick Falls Dam

HOOSIC RIVER· Rensselaer, New York· Built 1890· Concrete· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Hoosick Falls Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 63.7% in NY)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage120 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area339 sq mi
Max Discharge12,200 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDNY00705

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 6, 2017
State Regulated: No

Ownership

HYDRO POWER INC

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Hoosac School Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Significant Hazard 25 ft

Lake Lorraine Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 26 ft

Babcock Lake Dam

Rensselaer, NY

Low Hazard 9 ft

Lake Paran

Bennington, VT

High Hazard 25 ft

Johnsonville

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 39 ft

Pownal Tannery

Bennington, VT

Low Hazard 18 ft

Long Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 9 ft

Second Pond Dam

Rensselaer, NY

High Hazard 9 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hoosick Falls Dam?

Hoosick Falls Dam 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 Hoosick Falls Dam?

Hoosick Falls Dam is owned by HYDRO POWER INC (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hoosick Falls Dam built?

Hoosick Falls Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Hoosick Falls Dam?

Hoosick Falls Dam 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 Hoosick Falls Dam?

Hoosick Falls Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Hoosick Falls Dam last inspected?

Hoosick Falls Dam was last inspected on July 6, 2017. 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.