Trenton Falls - Main Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Trenton Falls - Main Dam is a historic structure located in Herkimer, New York, along the West Canada Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1901, this concrete, gravity, and masonry dam stands at a height of 60 feet and stretches 286 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 264 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 20,000 cubic feet per second, the dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential and a very high risk rating, emergency action plans are crucial for mitigation in case of any unforeseen events. The dam is equipped with controlled spillways and outlet gates to manage water flow and prevent flooding downstream, making it an essential piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Trenton Falls - Main Dam serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering ingenuity and the intersection of human innovation with natural hydrological systems. Its location in a scenic area near Trenton Falls, along with its impact on the surrounding environment, makes it a site worth exploring for those interested in the intersection of water resources, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
286 |
Dam Height |
60 |
River Or Stream |
West Canada Creek |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
376 |
Nid Storage |
264 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
60 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Trenton Falls - Main Dam