Places Filter: Landscapes
View In Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/QpVtwYSpWQ9bvkdJA
Description: The Hinckley Reservoir and Dam is a significant water management infrastructure located in the Adirondack Park of upstate New York. It serves as a critical reservoir for water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation in the region. The reservoir, impounded by the Hinckley Dam, is situated on the West Canada Creek in the town of Russia, Herkimer County. It was created by the damming of the creek and covers approximately 2,880 acres when at full capacity. The reservoir's primary purpose is to regulate water flow downstream, ensuring a stable water supply for downstream communities, industries, and agricultural activities. Constructed by the New York State Canal Corporation, the Hinckley Dam was completed in 1915. It is an earthen embankment dam, standing at a height of about 185 feet and stretching over 2,500 feet in length. The dam helps control flooding by regulating the flow of water from the West Canada Creek, which is prone to seasonal fluctuations and flash flooding during heavy rainfall and snowmelt events. In addition to its role in water management and flood control, the Hinckley Reservoir also supports hydroelectric power generation. Water released from the reservoir flows through turbines at downstream hydroelectric power plants, producing clean and renewable energy for the region. The Hinckley Reservoir and Dam area is also a popular outdoor recreation destination, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding forests and waterways provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, making it a scenic and diverse natural area within the Adirondack Park. Overall, the Hinckley Reservoir and Dam play a vital role in the water management infrastructure of upstate New York, providing essential services for communities, industries, and the environment. Whether you're interested in water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power, or outdoor recreation, the reservoir and dam area offer something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.