Renovations at the Bartlett Carry Dam are progressing smoothly, with the project now past the halfway point. We remain both on schedule and within budget. The rehabilitation of the northern, primary spillway is complete, and work has now shifted to the larger, secondary spillway.
This year’s project began with the installation of a coffer dam across the main spillway, diverting water to the secondary, southern spillway, allowing workers access to the normally submerged lake side of the dam. The repairs focus on addressing significant leakage, enhancing stability, and preventing further structural failure and deterioration. Completed work on the primary spillway includes the demolition and removal of the abandoned powerhouse, sealing the upstream and downstream walls with up to an additional 18 inches of concrete, raising and reinforcing the abutment and cutoff walls, and stabilizing the downstream discharge channel.
When the dam’s $2 million restoration is complete the Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) will have significantly enhanced the dam’s long-term safety and security, reducing the risk of flooding and property damage in downstream areas, including the village of Saranac Lake. We’ve shifted from reactive emergency repairs, like those in the spring of 2018, to a more proactive and cost-effective approach. All work is overseen by our engineer and complies with regulations from the NYS DEC Office of Dam Safety and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Renovation of the southern, secondary spillway will continue through the fall, with an expected completion in December. A similar coffer dam has been installed, now diverting water to the northern, primary spillway. Excavation of the upstream side of the spillway is complete, revealing areas of the dam that likely have not been seen since the 1850s. The upstream wall is now being prepared for additional concrete sealing and stabilization.
For additional information and more pictures visit the Upper Saranac Foundation web page at: https://usfoundation.net/programs/dam/
As a reminder, the dam is on private property, and access is restricted by land or boat. Entry to the dam area is prohibited for your safety and to prevent the workers from being hampered by onlookers.
