Hinckley
Hinckley is an earth dam located in Herkimer County, New York, built in 1914. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hinckley
The primary purpose of Hinckley 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 Power Authority (state). It impounds the West Canada Creek near Hinckley.
The dam stands 83 feet tall and stretches 3,635 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,850 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 76,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 372 square miles. Completed in 1914, 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 07/13/2022.
At 83 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 | Herkimer |
| Nearest City | Hinckley |
| River/Stream | West Canada Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.31140, -75.10850 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 83 ft |
| Dam Height | 83 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,635 ft |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 76,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 76,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 76,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,850 acres |
| Drainage Area | 372 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 106,695 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York Power Authority |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00181 |
| Federal ID | NY00181 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |