Mohawk Papers - West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Mohawk Papers - West Dam, located in Saratoga, New York, along the Mohawk River, is a private concrete gravity dam completed in 1962 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a length of 142 feet, this dam holds a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and inspected regularly by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Owned by a private entity, the Mohawk Papers - West Dam plays a crucial role in harnessing renewable energy from the river's flow. With its uncontrolled spillway and rock foundation, the dam contributes to the region's energy production and water resource management. While the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, the emergency action plan is in place to address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities in case of an emergency.

The dam's location in Troy, New York, underlines its significance in the local landscape and its impact on the surrounding environment. Managed and regulated by both state and federal agencies, the Mohawk Papers - West Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate considerations, and sustainable energy production in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

142

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Mohawk River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

3456

Nid Storage

125

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

9
       
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.