Upper North Channel Dam
Upper North Channel Dam is a concrete dam located in Jefferson County, New York, built in 1948. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Upper North Channel Dam
The primary purpose of Upper North Channel Dam 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, Lp/brookfield Renewable (private). It impounds the Black River near Watertown.
The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 90 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,810 square miles. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/01/1995. That was over 30 years ago.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Watertown |
| River/Stream | Black River |
| Coordinates | 43.97889, -75.89389 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 90 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 75 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,810 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,290 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/01/1995 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00323 |
| Federal ID | NY00323 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |