Marcy Dam facts for kids
Marcy Dam was a wooden structure in the Adirondack High Peaks of New York. It was built across Marcy Brook, creating a small lake called Marcy Dam Pond. The first version of the dam was built in the 1930s. It was later rebuilt in the early 1970s.
Where Was Marcy Dam?
Marcy Dam was located in the Adirondack High Peaks region. You could only reach it by hiking. It was about 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from the Adirondack Loj. The dam stood at an elevation of 2,362 feet (720 meters). It was surrounded by several mountains, including Wright Peak, Algonquin Peak, and Mount Colden.
A Popular Spot for Hikers
The area around Marcy Dam was very popular with hikers. Many people camped there when exploring the high peaks. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) had an outpost nearby. There were also many campsites and lean-tos for people to use. Trails from the dam led to most of the high peaks. For example, Mount Marcy was about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) away.
Why Was Marcy Dam Removed?
In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused a lot of flooding. The dam was damaged, and Marcy Dam Pond was partly drained. The hiking trail that used to go over the dam had to be moved.
In January 2014, the NYSDEC announced that Marcy Dam would be removed. They explained that the dam no longer held back water well. Also, rebuilding it to modern standards would be very expensive. The NYSDEC also believes that rivers and streams in wilderness areas should flow freely. They want to keep human-made structures to a minimum.
Images for kids
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Marcy Dam in August 1990, viewed from the west
