Crescent - Dam C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Crescent - Dam C, located in Cohoes, New York, is a concrete gravity dam completed in 1912 for hydroelectric, navigation, and water supply purposes.


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Summary

It stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 530 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 70,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 548,300 cubic feet per second. The dam, managed by the State, is situated on the Mohawk River and is overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for inspections and regulatory compliance.

Despite its low hazard potential, Crescent - Dam C poses a moderate risk, as assessed by authorities. The dam has not been recently inspected, with the last assessment conducted in July 2019. The structure does not have a published condition assessment, emergency action plan, or inundation maps prepared. However, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, indicating its resilience to managing excess water flow. With its historical significance and multiple uses, Crescent - Dam C remains a vital component of New York's water resource infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crescent - Dam C represents a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering for harnessing hydroelectric power and supporting various water-related activities. With its multi-arch concrete design and location on the Mohawk River, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in Albany County, New York. As discussions around climate change and water management continue to evolve, Crescent - Dam C stands as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water resource development and maintenance for the future.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Mohawk River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1.2

Drainage Area

3453

Nid Storage

70000

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.