Cohoes Reservoir #3 Dam
Cohoes Reservoir #3 Dam is an earth dam located in Albany County, New York, built in 1885. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cohoes Reservoir #3 Dam
The primary purpose of Cohoes Reservoir #3 Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Cohoes (local government). It impounds the Tr-mohawk River near Cohoes.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 2,800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 230 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1885, 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 04/17/2025.
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 | Albany |
| Nearest City | Cohoes |
| River/Stream | Tr-mohawk River |
| Coordinates | 42.78028, -73.72333 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 168 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF COHOES |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/17/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY01314 |
| Federal ID | NY01314 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |