Newton Falls Upper is a private hydroelectric dam located in Fine, New York, along the Oswegatchie River.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cranberry Lake 41
|
||
Cranberry Lake 42
|
||
Cranberry Lake 43
|
||
Oswegatchie 45
|
||
Oswegatchie 44
|
||
Oswegatchie 43
|