Watervliet Upper Dam
Key Takeaway
Watervliet Upper Dam is classified as high hazard in New York. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 72 ft (taller than 96.6% in NY) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 272 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | NY01356 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF WATERVLIET
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Watervliet Lower Dam
Albany, NY
High Hazard 27 ftBardack Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 25 ftLake Ridge Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 60 ftWatervliet Balancing Reservoir Dam
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 20 ftSchuyler Meadows Club Dam
Albany, NY
Low Hazard 24 ftTroy Lock and Dam 1
Albany, NY
Significant Hazard 20 ftCohoes Reservoir #3 Dam
Albany, NY
High Hazard 20 ftNew York State Dam
Saratoga, NY
Low Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watervliet Upper Dam?
Watervliet Upper 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 Watervliet Upper Dam?
Watervliet Upper Dam is owned by CITY OF WATERVLIET (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watervliet Upper Dam built?
Watervliet Upper Dam was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Watervliet Upper Dam?
Watervliet Upper Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Watervliet Upper Dam?
Watervliet Upper Dam has a dam height of 72 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 Watervliet Upper Dam last inspected?
Watervliet Upper Dam was last inspected on April 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.