South Channel dam
South Channel
Located in Watertown, New York, the South Channel, also known as the Diversion Dam, is a hydroelectric structure owned by the local government. Completed in 1924, this concrete gravity dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and water supply. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 810 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 2000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 190 acres.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the South Channel dam plays a vital role in harnessing the power of the Black River to generate electricity while also ensuring a stable water supply for the surrounding area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections to maintain its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness measures.
As a key component of the local water infrastructure, the South Channel dam represents a unique blend of historical significance and modern functionality. Its presence not only contributes to the regional water resource management efforts but also underscores the intersection of environmental conservation and sustainable energy production in the context of climate change adaptation.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around South Channel -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Black River At Watertown Ny | 3,760 cfs | → |
| Sandy Creek Near Adams Ny | 180 cfs | → |
| Beaver River At Croghan Ny | 549 cfs | → |
| West Branch Oswegatchie R Nr Harrisville Ny | 593 cfs | → |
| Independence River At Donnattsburg Ny | 161 cfs | → |
| Salmon River At Pineville Ny | 843 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near South Channel .
Boat launches
- Jefferson County
- Conservation Department Road Jefferson County
- Hewitt Drive West Carthage
- West Main Street 302, Sackets Harbor
- Six Town Pond
Campgrounds
- Remington Park Rv Military - Fort Drum
- Westcott Beach State Park
- Long Point State Park
- Southwick Beach State Park
- Grass Point State Park
- Cedar Point State Park
Track South Channel in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About South Channel
Where does the data for South Channel come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of South Channel .