Spier Falls
Spier Falls is a masonry dam located in Warren County, New York, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Spier Falls
The primary purpose of Spier Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Hudson River near Hudson Falls.
The dam stands 146 feet tall and stretches 1,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 638 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 31,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,779 square miles. Completed in 1903, the structure is over a century old.
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 08/31/2022.
At 146 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Warren |
| Nearest City | Hudson Falls |
| River/Stream | Hudson River |
| Coordinates | 43.23460, -73.75740 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 146 ft |
| Dam Height | 146 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1903 (123 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 31,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 31,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 31,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 638 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,779 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00136 |
| Federal ID | NY00136 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |