High Falls

High Falls is a gravity dam located in Ulster County, New York, built in 1935. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About High Falls

The primary purpose of High 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 Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation (public utility). It impounds the Rondout Creek near High Falls.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 470 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 17 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 246 square miles. Completed in 1935, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 05/11/2022.

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Low HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateNew York
CountyUlster
Nearest CityHigh Falls
River/StreamRondout Creek
Coordinates41.82970, -74.13300

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height30 ft
Dam Height30 ft
Dam Length470 ft
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage115 acre-ft
Max Storage115 acre-ft
Normal Storage115 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area246 sq mi
Max Discharge32,600 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerCentral Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationLow
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/11/2022
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDNY00782
Federal IDNY00782
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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