West End Dam

Black River· Jefferson, New York· Built 1905· Concrete· 18 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

West End Dam is classified as low hazard in New York. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 49.5% in NY)
Dam Length1,390 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage53 acre-ft
Normal Storage53 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area1,807 sq mi
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDNY00295

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: August 8, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NYS DEC

Ownership

Independent Hydro Developers, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of West End Dam?

West End 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 West End Dam?

West End Dam is owned by Independent Hydro Developers, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was West End Dam built?

West End Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 West End Dam?

West End 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 West End Dam?

West End 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 West End Dam last inspected?

West End Dam was last inspected on August 8, 2017. 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.