Alcove Dam
Alcove Dam is an earth dam located in Albany County, New York, built in 1929. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Alcove Dam
The primary purpose of Alcove Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Albany Water Board (local government). It impounds the Hannacrois Creek near Alcove.
The dam stands 80 feet tall and stretches 2,180 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,434 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 40,242 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 32 square miles. Completed in 1929, 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 04/09/2024.
At 80 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Albany |
| Nearest City | Alcove |
| River/Stream | Hannacrois Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.46750, -73.93167 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 80 ft |
| Dam Height | 80 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,180 ft |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 40,242 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 40,242 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 29,464 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,434 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,410 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | ALBANY WATER BOARD |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/09/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00093 |
| Federal ID | NY00093 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |