Watertown Municipal Power Dam

BLACK RIVER· Jefferson, New York· Built 1913· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Watertown Municipal Power Dam is classified as significant hazard in New York. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 23.2% in NY)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage241 acre-ft
Normal Storage241 acre-ft
Surface Area225 acres
Drainage Area1,874 sq mi
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDNY00290

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: July 14, 2008
State Regulated: No

Ownership

CITY OF WATERTOWN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Watertown Municipal Power Dam?

Watertown Municipal Power Dam 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 Watertown Municipal Power Dam?

Watertown Municipal Power Dam is owned by CITY OF WATERTOWN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Watertown Municipal Power Dam built?

Watertown Municipal Power Dam 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 Watertown Municipal Power Dam?

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

How tall is Watertown Municipal Power Dam?

Watertown Municipal Power Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Watertown Municipal Power Dam last inspected?

Watertown Municipal Power Dam was last inspected on July 14, 2008. 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.