Northumberland Dam
Key Takeaway
Northumberland Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is navigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 42.9% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 805 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,750 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,997 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01076 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
New York State Canal Corporation
State Government
Nearby Dams
Clarks Mills Lower
Washington, NY
Low Hazard 20 ftSchuylerville
Saratoga, NY
High Hazard 43 ftClark Mills Upper
Washington, NY
Low Hazard 23 ftFort Miller
Washington, NY
Low Hazard 7 ftWinnies Reef Dam
Saratoga, NY
Significant Hazard 16 ftMiddle Falls
Washington, NY
Low Hazard 12 ftThompson Island Dam
Saratoga, NY
Low Hazard 15 ftLower Greenwich Dam
Washington, NY
Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Northumberland Dam?
Northumberland 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 Northumberland Dam?
Northumberland Dam 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 Northumberland Dam built?
Northumberland Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Northumberland Dam?
Northumberland Dam serves the following purposes: Navigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Northumberland Dam?
Northumberland Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Northumberland Dam last inspected?
Northumberland Dam was last inspected on May 19, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.