Spier Falls Dam
Construction
The dam was built by the Hudson River Water Power Company. The chief engineer was Charles E. Parsons of Glens Falls. 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 m) of rock and dirt were moved during construction. As many as 1500 men were employed in construction at one time
Power generation
When built the dam generated 37 MW, of three-phase 40 Hz power, and provided electricity to Saratoga, Schenectady, Glens Falls, Troy, and Albany. As of 2013 the Spier Falls Dam is owned by Brookfield Power and generates 56 MW.
Statistics
The reservoir is 5 miles (8.0 km) long, .5 miles (800 m) wide and has a maximum depth of 135 feet (41 m).
While the reservoir was filling the flow of the Hudson River was halted for twenty-four hours. The river ran dry past Fort Edward and pedestrians were able to walk across.
The dam was named for William E. Spier, the head of the Glens Falls Paper Company.
Fire
On Sept 14 2024, the mechanical building housing the turbines and generators suffered a major fire.
References
- ^ Howe, George E. (January–June 1903). "The Spier Falls Dam and Power Plant". The Engineering Record. Retrieved Nov 7, 2013.
- ^ "The Spier Falls Dam". Page's Weekly. June 1902. Retrieved Nov 6, 2013.
- ^ "Hudson River Big Dam" (PDF). The New York Times. Aug 22, 1903. Retrieved Nov 6, 2013.
- ^ "Spier Falls Dam on Hudson River damaged in massive blaze". The Times Union. Sep 15, 2024. Retrieved Sep 15, 2024.
- ^ "Fire officials investigate blaze at Spier Falls Dam". News10 ABC. Sep 15, 2024. Retrieved Sep 15, 2024.
