Vischer Ferry
Vischer Ferry is a concrete dam located in Saratoga County, New York, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Vischer Ferry
The primary purpose of Vischer Ferry 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 New York State Canal Corporation (state). It impounds the Mohawk River near Vischer Ferry.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 1,919 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,050 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 27,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,385 square miles. Completed in 1913, 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 09/21/2022.
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 | Saratoga |
| Nearest City | Vischer Ferry |
| River/Stream | Mohawk River |
| Coordinates | 42.80480, -73.84550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,919 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 27,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 27,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,050 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,385 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 548,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00170 |
| Federal ID | NY00170 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |