Flat Rock

Flat Rock is a concrete 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 Flat Rock

The primary purpose of Flat Rock 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 East Branch Oswegatchie River near Fine.

The dam stands 72 feet tall and stretches 568 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 228 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,382 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 262 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 06/15/2022.

At 72 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew York
CountySt. Lawrence
Nearest CityFine
River/StreamEast Branch Oswegatchie River
Coordinates44.22150, -75.07380

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height72 ft
Dam Height67 ft
Dam Length568 ft
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,382 acre-ft
Max Storage3,382 acre-ft
Normal Storage3,382 acre-ft
Surface Area228 acres
Drainage Area262 sq mi
Max Discharge12,000 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerErie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P.
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection06/15/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNY00413
Federal IDNY00413
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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