Browns Falls
Browns Falls is a concrete dam located in St. Lawrence County, New York, built in 1922. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Browns Falls
The primary purpose of Browns 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 Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.p. (private). It impounds the East Branch Oswegatchie River near Fine.
The dam stands 70 feet tall and stretches 941 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 168 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,234 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 178 square miles. Completed in 1922, 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 06/16/2022.
At 70 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 | St. Lawrence |
| Nearest City | Fine |
| River/Stream | East Branch Oswegatchie River |
| Coordinates | 44.21270, -75.03700 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Height | 69 ft |
| Dam Length | 941 ft |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,234 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,234 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,234 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 168 acres |
| Drainage Area | 178 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00762 |
| Federal ID | NY00762 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |