Palmer Falls
Key Takeaway
Palmer Falls is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 37 ft (taller than 86.3% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 486 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,756 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 88,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| NID ID | NY00145 |
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
Curtis/Palmer Hydroelectric Company, LP
Private
Nearby Dams
Curtis
Saratoga, NY
Low Hazard 36 ftWoodland Lake Dam
Saratoga, NY
Significant Hazard 17 ftLake Bonita Dam
Saratoga, NY
Low Hazard 14 ftSpier Falls
Warren, NY
High Hazard 146 ftLake Luzerne Dam
Warren, NY
Significant Hazard 5 ftStewarts Bridge
Saratoga, NY
High Hazard 113 ftSaddle Lake Dam
Saratoga, NY
Significant Hazard 23 ftKeenan Reservoir Dam
Warren, NY
High Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palmer Falls?
Palmer Falls 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 Palmer Falls?
Palmer Falls is owned by Curtis/Palmer Hydroelectric Company, LP (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palmer Falls built?
Palmer Falls was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Palmer Falls?
Palmer Falls serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Palmer Falls?
Palmer Falls has a dam height of 37 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 Palmer Falls last inspected?
Palmer Falls was last inspected on May 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.