Rockwood Power Dam
Rockwood Power Dam is a concrete dam located in Fulton County, New York, built in 1916. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Rockwood Power Dam
The primary purpose of Rockwood Power Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, Lp/brookfield Renewable (private). It impounds the Caroga Creek near Rockwood.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 280 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 51 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 731 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 53 square miles. Completed in 1916, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/11/2024.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% 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 | Fulton |
| Nearest City | Rockwood |
| River/Stream | Caroga Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.06361, -74.50472 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 731 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 731 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 529 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 51 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, LP/Brookfield Renewable |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 04/11/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00179 |
| Federal ID | NY00179 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |