Sissonville Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hewittville Potsdam - East Dam
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Sissonville, a privately owned dam located in St.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Lawrence, New York, along the Raquette River, was designed by EWI Engineering and completed in 1990 for hydroelectric purposes. This concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 16.1 feet and has a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet, serving fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and hydroelectric needs. With a controlled spillway width of 251 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 11,500 cubic feet per second, Sissonville is a crucial infrastructure for the region's water resource management.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Sissonville has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. Although its condition assessment is not available, the dam undergoes inspections every 3 years, with the last one conducted in June 2017. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, Sissonville is within state jurisdiction and operates under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. With an emergency action plan last revised in December 2018, the dam is well-prepared for any unforeseen events, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding community.
In the hands of private ownership, Sissonville plays a significant role in water storage and management within the region. Its strategic location, design, and purpose make it a vital asset for mitigating risks and meeting various water-related needs. As a key player in the hydroelectric landscape, Sissonville stands as a testament to effective infrastructure development and management in the face of climate challenges and evolving water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1990 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
16.1 |
River Or Stream |
Raquette River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
1025 |
Nid Storage |
205 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raquette River At Raymondville Ny
|
2010cfs |
Grass River At Chase Mills Ny
|
1350cfs |
Raquette River At South Colton Ny
|
360cfs |
W Br St. Regis R Nr Parishville Ny
|
211cfs |
St. Regis River At Brasher Center Ny
|
588cfs |
Oswegatchie River Near Heuvelton Ny
|
1250cfs |
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.
Sissonville