Vischer Ferry, also known as Dam 3, is a state-owned hydroelectric structure located in Vischer Ferry, Saratoga, New York.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1913, this concrete gravity dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 1919 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 27,400 acre-feet with a normal storage of 25,000 acre-feet. Situated on the Mohawk River, the dam serves the primary purposes of hydroelectric power generation and navigation, contributing to the area's water resource management.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Vischer Ferry has a spillway width matching its dam length, with uncontrolled spillway type. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, with a moderate risk assessment score. Despite lacking specific condition assessment data, the structure undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2019. With a total of seven slide (sluice gate) outlet gates, Vischer Ferry plays a crucial role in maintaining water levels and discharge in the region.
Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate advocacy can appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of Vischer Ferry in harnessing hydropower and regulating water flow along the Mohawk River. As a key component in the area's infrastructure, this dam exemplifies the intersection of sustainable energy production and environmental stewardship, offering valuable insights into the complexities of managing water resources in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
1919 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
Mohawk River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1050 |
Drainage Area |
3385 |
Nid Storage |
27400 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 7 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
30 |
Mohawk River At Cohoes Ny
|
2630cfs |
Hudson River At Green Island Ny
|
5760cfs |
Hudson R Above Lock 1 Nr Waterford Ny
|
3980cfs |
Hudson River At Lock 1 Near Waterford Ny
|
4430cfs |
Normans Kill At Albany Ny
|
78cfs |
Glowegee Creek At West Milton Ny
|
14cfs |