Blake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Stark Falls Dike F Stark Falls Dike G
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Blake Dam, located in South Colton, New York, is a private hydroelectric facility on the Raquette River completed in 1957.
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Summary
With a dam height of 80 feet and a length of 2250 feet, it provides storage of up to 12,626 acre-feet of water over a surface area of 650 acres. The dam has a high hazard potential and is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which also conducts inspections of the facility.
The primary purpose of Blake Dam is hydroelectric power generation, but it also serves recreational purposes. The dam is made of concrete with a multi-arch core type and sits on a rock foundation. It has a spillway width of 592 feet and can discharge up to 66,500 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its safety and stability.
Owned privately, Blake Dam is not regulated or permitted by the state, but it is subject to federal oversight and inspections. The dam features controlled outlet gates and a slide (sluice gate) for water release. It is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to understand the critical role that structures like Blake Dam play in balancing energy production and environmental impact, making it a significant asset worth monitoring and maintaining for sustainable water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
2250 |
Dam Height |
80 |
River Or Stream |
Raquette River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
650 |
Drainage Area |
908 |
Nid Storage |
12626 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 2, Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
80 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Blake