Lake Flower
Lake Flower is a gravity dam located in Franklin County, New York, built in 1937. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Flower
The primary purpose of Lake Flower 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 Village Of Saranac Lake, Ny (local government). It impounds the Saranac River near Saranac Lake.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 97 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,360 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 179 square miles. Completed in 1937, 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 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 07/14/2022.
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 | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Saranac Lake |
| River/Stream | Saranac River |
| Coordinates | 44.32440, -74.13290 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 97 ft |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,360 acres |
| Drainage Area | 179 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,900 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Village of Saranac Lake, NY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00707 |
| Federal ID | NY00707 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |