Prospect
Prospect is a concrete dam located in Herkimer County, New York, built in 1959. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Prospect
The primary purpose of Prospect is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the West Canada Creek near Trenton Falls.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 306 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 175 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 375 square miles. Completed in 1959, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 07/12/2022.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Herkimer |
| Nearest City | Trenton Falls |
| River/Stream | West Canada Creek |
| Coordinates | 43.30470, -75.14310 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 306 ft |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 175 acres |
| Drainage Area | 375 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 90,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00661 |
| Federal ID | NY00661 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |