Spier Falls Dam

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Spier Falls Dam in 2013

The Spier Falls Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Hudson River between the towns of Moreau and Lake Luzerne, New York.

Cross-section of Spier Falls Dam under construction

The dam was built by the Hudson River Water Power Company. The chief engineer was Charles E. Parsons of Glens Falls.[1] Construction started in 1900 and completed in 1903 at a total cost of $US3,000,000 (equivalent to $86,000,000 in 2020). At the time it was the fourth largest dam and the largest power dam in the world.

The dam is constructed of concrete and granite quarried nearby a rubble core with trimmed blocks on the surface. Up to 280,000 cubic yards (210,000 m3) of rock and dirt were moved during construction. As many as 1500 men were employed in construction at one time[2]

Power generation

When built the dam generated 37 MW, of three-phase 40 Hz power,[1] and provided electricity to Saratoga, Schenectady, Glens Falls, Troy, and Albany.[2] As of 2013 the Spier Falls Dam is owned by Brookfield Power and generates 56 MW.

Statistics

Fire

References

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