Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is a concrete dam located in Franklin County, New York, built in 1906. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Franklin Falls
The primary purpose of Franklin Falls 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 Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.p. (private). It impounds the Saranac River near Franklin Falls.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 310 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 485 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,580 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 291 square miles. Completed in 1906, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 07/13/2022.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Franklin Falls |
| River/Stream | Saranac River |
| Coordinates | 44.43730, -73.97250 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 310 ft |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,580 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,580 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,580 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 485 acres |
| Drainage Area | 291 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,070 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00217 |
| Federal ID | NY00217 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |