Piercefield Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Piercefield is a historic hydroelectric dam located in St.
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Summary
Lawrence, New York, along the picturesque Raquette River. Built in 1914, this concrete dam stands at 22 feet tall and stretches 842 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 2,757 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge capacity of 11,900 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 370 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy generation in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Piercefield dam is a key player in the hydroelectric industry, with a primary purpose of generating clean and sustainable energy. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected for safety and reliability, with the last inspection conducted in August 2019. With a high hazard potential due to its size and location, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate (3), prompting the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
As a significant structure in the New York District, Piercefield dam contributes to the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its rich history, impressive engineering, and vital role in energy production, this dam serves as a symbol of the intersection between human innovation and environmental stewardship in the face of climate change challenges.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
842 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Raquette River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
370 |
Drainage Area |
722 |
Nid Storage |
2757 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 20, Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raquette River At Piercefield Ny
|
1060cfs |
Raquette River At South Colton Ny
|
570cfs |
Oswegatchie River Near Oswegatchie Ny
|
195cfs |
W Br St. Regis R Nr Parishville Ny
|
211cfs |
Hudson River Near Newcomb Ny
|
124cfs |
Buck Creek
|
1cfs |
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.
Piercefield
Tupper Lake