Lock E-17 Embankment Dam
Lock E-17 Embankment Dam is an earth dam located in Herkimer County, New York, built in 1918. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Lock E-17 Embankment Dam
The primary purpose of Lock E-17 Embankment Dam 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 New York State Canal Corporation (state). It impounds the Mohawk River near Little Falls.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 71 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,327 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,342 square miles. Completed in 1918, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 08/01/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | New York |
| County | Herkimer |
| Nearest City | Little Falls |
| River/Stream | Mohawk River |
| Coordinates | 43.04006, -74.85458 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,327 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,327 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,061 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 71 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,342 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 08/01/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY17230 |
| Federal ID | NY17230 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |