New York State Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The New York State Dam, also known as the Champlain Street Dam, is a historic structure located in Cohoes, New York, along the Mohawk River.


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Summary

Built in 1840, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a length of 1950 feet. It serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes and has a storage capacity of 275 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Owned by the state of New York, the New York State Dam is not regulated by the state but is inspected regularly by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam's spillway, with a width of 1446 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 38,000 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 3462 square miles, making it a crucial resource for water management and flood protection in the region.

With its historical significance and essential role in hydroelectric power generation, the New York State Dam stands as a testament to the state's commitment to water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and infrastructure resilience, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like this one are critical to ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1840

Dam Length

1950

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Mohawk River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

27.7

Drainage Area

3462

Nid Storage

275

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.