Mill C

About Mill C

The primary purpose of Mill C 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 Electric & Gas Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Saranac River near Morrisonville.

The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 202 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 567 square miles. Completed in 1922, the structure is over a century old.

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 09/07/2022.

At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.

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