Upper Mechanicville
Upper Mechanicville is a masonry dam located in Saratoga County, New York, built in 1882. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Upper Mechanicville
The primary purpose of Upper Mechanicville 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 State Canal Corporation (state). It impounds the Hudson River near Mechanicville.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 1,220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 260 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,425 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,500 square miles. Completed in 1882, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 09/23/2022.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Saratoga |
| Nearest City | Mechanicville |
| River/Stream | Hudson River |
| Coordinates | 42.91230, -73.67920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,220 ft |
| Year Completed | 1882 (144 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,425 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,425 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,425 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,500 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 130,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/23/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00215 |
| Federal ID | NY00215 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |