Rockwood Power Dam

CAROGA CREEK· Fulton, New York· Built 1916· Concrete· 35 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Rockwood Power Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 35 ft (taller than 83.6% in NY)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage731 acre-ft
Normal Storage529 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area53 sq mi
Max Discharge5,600 cfs
Year Completed1916 (110 years old)
NID IDNY00179

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 7, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rockwood Power Dam?

Rockwood Power Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rockwood Power Dam?

Rockwood Power Dam is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rockwood Power Dam built?

Rockwood Power Dam was completed in 1916, making it 110 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 Rockwood Power Dam?

Rockwood Power Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Rockwood Power Dam?

Rockwood Power Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Rockwood Power Dam last inspected?

Rockwood Power Dam was last inspected on December 7, 2020. 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.