Kents Falls

Saranac River· Clinton, New York· Built 1991· Concrete· 59 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Kents Falls is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 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 59 ft (taller than 94.4% in NY)
Dam Length257 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage265 acre-ft
Normal Storage265 acre-ft
Surface Area43 acres
Drainage Area567 sq mi
Max Discharge10,000 cfs
Year Completed1991 (35 years old)
NID IDNY00234

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 7, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

New York State Electric & Gas Corporation

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kents Falls?

Kents Falls 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 Kents Falls?

Kents Falls is owned by New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kents Falls built?

Kents Falls was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Kents Falls?

Kents 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 Kents Falls?

Kents Falls has a dam height of 59 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 Kents Falls last inspected?

Kents Falls was last inspected on September 7, 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.