Newton Falls Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Newton Falls Upper is a private hydroelectric dam located in Fine, New York, along the Oswegatchie River.


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Summary

Built in 1927 by W. H. Cushman, this concrete dam stands at 21 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 50 feet and a structural height of 45 feet. With a storage capacity of 5,930 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1,732 cubic feet per second, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, hydroelectric, and water supply.

The dam has a spillway width of 58 feet and is equipped with four slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the regulation and inspection of Newton Falls Upper, ensuring its safety and compliance with federal guidelines. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in January 2021, demonstrating ongoing efforts to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

Overall, Newton Falls Upper plays a crucial role in the region's water resource management and energy production. Its historical significance and operational efficiency highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring this vital infrastructure for the benefit of the surrounding community and the environment.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Oswegatchie River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

650

Hydraulic Height

50

Drainage Area

172

Nid Storage

5930

Structural Height

45

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 4

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

50
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.