Varick Lock & Dam 7
Varick Lock & Dam 7 is a masonry dam located in Oswego County, New York, built in 1926. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Varick Lock & Dam 7
The primary purpose of Varick Lock & Dam 7 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 Oswego River near Oswego.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 736 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 210 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,097 square miles. Completed in 1926, 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. 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 06/30/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Oswego |
| Nearest City | Oswego |
| River/Stream | Oswego River |
| Coordinates | 43.44680, -76.50150 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 736 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,097 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/30/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00398 |
| Federal ID | NY00398 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |