Minetto Lock & Dam 5
Minetto Lock & Dam 5 is a concrete dam located in Oswego County, New York, built in 1915. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Minetto Lock & Dam 5
The primary purpose of Minetto Lock & Dam 5 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 23 feet tall and stretches 500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 350 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,950 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,092 square miles. Completed in 1915, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/29/2022.
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 | Oswego |
| Nearest City | Oswego |
| River/Stream | Oswego River |
| Coordinates | 43.39980, -76.47240 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,950 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,950 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 350 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,092 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/29/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00402 |
| Federal ID | NY00402 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |