Newton Falls Upper
Newton Falls Upper is a concrete dam located in St. Lawrence County, New York, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Newton Falls Upper
The primary purpose of Newton Falls Upper 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 Oswegatchie River near Fine.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 650 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,930 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 172 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 08/17/2022.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Fine |
| River/Stream | Oswegatchie River |
| Coordinates | 44.21470, -74.98690 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,930 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,930 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,930 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 650 acres |
| Drainage Area | 172 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,732 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 | 08/17/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00472 |
| Federal ID | NY00472 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |