Crescent - Dam B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Crescent - Dam B, located in Cohoes, New York, is a state-owned concrete dam completed in 1912 for hydroelectric purposes on the Mohawk River.


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Summary

With a height of 33 feet and a length of 537 feet, it has a NID storage capacity of 70,000 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 50,000 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for water supply and navigation in the region. The dam's spillway, measuring 537 feet wide, is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 548,300 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Crescent - Dam B is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified with a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2017. While the dam has not been assessed for its current condition, it remains a critical infrastructure supporting the hydroelectric needs of the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crescent - Dam B offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of engineering, energy production, and environmental stewardship along the Mohawk River.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

537

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

Mohawk River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1.2

Drainage Area

3453

Nid Storage

70000

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

33
       
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.