Higley
Higley is a gravity dam located in St. Lawrence County, New York, built in 1925. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Higley
The primary purpose of Higley 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 Raquette River near Colton.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 270 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 742 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,446 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 979 square miles. Completed in 1925, 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 08/16/2022.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% 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 | St. Lawrence |
| Nearest City | Colton |
| River/Stream | Raquette River |
| Coordinates | 44.53050, -74.93200 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 270 ft |
| Year Completed | 1925 (101 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,446 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,446 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,446 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 742 acres |
| Drainage Area | 979 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 11,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00252 |
| Federal ID | NY00252 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |