Setting Pole Rapids Dam

RAQUETTE RIVER· Franklin, New York· Built 1934· Concrete· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Setting Pole Rapids Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length229 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage36.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage19.6K acre-ft
Surface Area7,000 acres
Drainage Area720 sq mi
Max Discharge12,940 cfs
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDNY00734

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 10, 1997
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

TOWN OF ALTAMONT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Setting Pole Rapids Dam?

Setting Pole Rapids 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 Setting Pole Rapids Dam?

Setting Pole Rapids Dam is owned by TOWN OF ALTAMONT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Setting Pole Rapids Dam built?

Setting Pole Rapids Dam was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Setting Pole Rapids Dam?

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

How tall is Setting Pole Rapids Dam?

Setting Pole Rapids Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Setting Pole Rapids Dam last inspected?

Setting Pole Rapids Dam was last inspected on July 10, 1997. 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.