Groveville
Groveville is a gravity dam located in Dutchess County, New York, built in 1875. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Groveville
The primary purpose of Groveville 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 Corporation (private). It impounds the Fishkill Creek near Beacon.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 296 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 43 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 189 square miles. Completed in 1875, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 10/12/2022.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Dutchess |
| Nearest City | Beacon |
| River/Stream | Fishkill Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.51330, -73.94520 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 296 ft |
| Year Completed | 1875 (151 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 189 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,960 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Lower Saranac Corporation |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00072 |
| Federal ID | NY00072 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |