New York State Dam

Mohawk River· Saratoga, New York· Built 1840· Concrete· 21 ft tall

Key Takeaway

New York State Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 61.3% in NY)
Dam Length1,950 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage275 acre-ft
Normal Storage275 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area3,462 sq mi
Max Discharge38,000 cfs
Year Completed1840 (186 years old)
NID IDNY00949

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 9, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

New York State Department of Transportation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of New York State Dam?

New York State 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 New York State Dam?

New York State Dam is owned by New York State Department of Transportation (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was New York State Dam built?

New York State Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 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 New York State Dam?

New York State Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is New York State Dam?

New York State Dam has a dam height of 21 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 New York State Dam last inspected?

New York State Dam was last inspected on July 9, 2018. 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.