High Falls
High Falls is a concrete dam located in Clinton County, New York, built in 1917. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About High Falls
The primary purpose of High Falls 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 Electric & Gas Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Saranac River near Moffitsville.
The dam stands 63 feet tall and stretches 1,014 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 93 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,670 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 490 square miles. Completed in 1917, 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 09/07/2022.
At 63 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Clinton |
| Nearest City | Moffitsville |
| River/Stream | Saranac River |
| Coordinates | 44.62750, -73.76090 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 63 ft |
| Dam Height | 63 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,014 ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,670 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,670 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,670 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Drainage Area | 490 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Electric & Gas Corporation |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00247 |
| Federal ID | NY00247 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |