South Dam
South Dam is a gravity dam located in Clinton County, New York, built in 1938. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About South Dam
The primary purpose of South Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Lower Saranac Hydro Partners, Llc (private). It impounds the Saranac River near Plattsburgh.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 105 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 95 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 820 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 604 square miles. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/18/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Clinton |
| Nearest City | Plattsburgh |
| River/Stream | Saranac River |
| Coordinates | 44.66930, -73.50780 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 105 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 820 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 820 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 820 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 95 acres |
| Drainage Area | 604 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Lower Saranac Hydro Partners, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/18/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00017 |
| Federal ID | NY00017S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |