Varick Lock & Dam 7, also known as Varick Dam, is a state-owned structure located on the Oswego River in Oswego, New York.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1926, this masonry dam stands at a height of 14 feet and stretches 736 feet in length. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, the dam also supports navigation activities along the river.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Varick Lock & Dam 7 has a storage capacity of 210 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 18,000 cubic feet per second. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and is considered to have a significant hazard potential. Although no recent condition assessment is available, the dam is inspected regularly by federal authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety.
With a moderate risk rating and a designated emergency action plan in place, Varick Lock & Dam 7 plays a vital role in water resource management and energy production in the region. As a historic structure that has been serving the community for nearly a century, it continues to be a key component of the local infrastructure and a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of hydroelectric power generation and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
736 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Oswego River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
32 |
Drainage Area |
5097 |
Nid Storage |
210 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
14 |
Oswego River At Lock 7
|
6120cfs |
Oneida River Near Euclid Ny
|
5330cfs |
Salmon River At Pineville Ny
|
962cfs |
Seneca River (Erie Canal) Near Port Byron Ny
|
1090cfs |
Scriba Creek Near Constantia Ny
|
40cfs |
Ninemile Creek At Lakeland Ny
|
103cfs |