Higley Reservoir Report
Nearby: Colton South Colton
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Higley, also known as Higley Falls Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Colton, New York, along the Raquette River.
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Summary
Completed in 1925, this gravity dam stands at 37 feet tall and stretches 270 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4,446 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves a hydroelectric purpose, utilizing a multi-arch core design on a rock foundation to harness the river's flow for power generation.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Higley Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. Despite being not state-regulated, the dam undergoes regular inspections by the federal agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Higley Dam continues to play a crucial role in the local water resource management and climate resilience efforts within St. Lawrence County, New York.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Higley Dam an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and federal oversight for hydroelectric power generation. The dam's historical significance, engineering design, and operational characteristics offer valuable insights into the intersection of water infrastructure, energy production, and environmental stewardship. As discussions around sustainable water management and climate adaptation continue to evolve, Higley Dam stands as a testament to the vital role of hydroelectric facilities in meeting both energy demands and environmental goals.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
Raquette River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
742 |
Drainage Area |
979 |
Nid Storage |
4446 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3, Vertical Lift - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Higley