Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls

MOWHAWK RIVER· Herkimer, New York· Built 1982· Other· 60 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric State Government

Key Takeaway

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1982 and is 44 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 60 ft (taller than 94.6% in NY)
Dam Length80 ft
Dam TypeOther
Normal Storage7.1K acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Year Completed1982 (44 years old)
NID IDNY12515

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 1, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls is owned by New York State Canal Corporation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls built?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls was completed in 1982, making it 44 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 Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little 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 Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls has a dam height of 60 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 Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls last inspected?

Lock E-17 Dam At Little Falls was last inspected on September 1, 2016. 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.