Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1

Oswego River· Oswego, New York· Built 1914· Concrete· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Navigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 19.5% in NY)
Dam Length1,014 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage19.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage19.8K acre-ft
Surface Area1,109 acres
Drainage Area4,956 sq mi
Max Discharge62,000 cfs
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
NID IDNY00773

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: August 8, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 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 Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 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 Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 built?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Navigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 11 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 Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 last inspected?

Phoenix Lock & Dam No. 1 was last inspected on August 8, 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.