High Dam
High Dam is a gravity dam located in Oswego County, New York, built in 1928. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About High Dam
The primary purpose of High Dam 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 Oswego River near Oswego.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 240 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,927 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,097 square miles. Completed in 1928, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/09/2022.
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 | Oswego |
| Nearest City | Oswego |
| River/Stream | Oswego River |
| Coordinates | 43.44290, -76.49600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1928 (98 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,927 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,927 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,927 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,097 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 32,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00401 |
| Federal ID | NY00401 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |