Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2

Oswego River· Oswego, New York· Built 1927· Concrete· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Navigation Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 29.9% in NY)
Dam Length316 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage3.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.5K acre-ft
Surface Area580 acres
Drainage Area5,020 sq mi
Max Discharge70,000 cfs
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDNY00408

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: June 30, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

New York State Canal Corporation

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 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 Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 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 Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 built?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Navigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 has a dam height of 13 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 Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 last inspected?

Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 was last inspected on June 30, 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.