Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2

About Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2

The primary purpose of Upper Fulton Lock & Dam 2 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 Fulton.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 316 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 580 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,540 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5,020 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 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 06/30/2022.

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