Soft Maple Intake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Soft Maple Intake, located in Belfort, New York, is a private hydroelectric structure on the Beaver River with a concrete dam type.


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Summary

Constructed in 1926, it stands 45 feet tall and spans 82 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2678 acre-feet and a surface area of 400 acres. While the dam has a high hazard potential, its condition assessment is currently not available, and it is not regulated by the state but is under the jurisdiction of federal oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Owned privately, Soft Maple Intake serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and is associated with 8 other structures in the area. The dam has not undergone recent modifications, and its last inspection took place in July 2019. With no spillway, outlet gates, or locks, the structure operates with a max discharge of 0 and is situated in a high-risk area. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam is subject to regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Soft Maple Intake plays a crucial role in the renewable energy sector, harnessing the power of the Beaver River for electricity generation. With its historical significance dating back nearly a century, the dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique characteristics and operational aspects of Soft Maple Intake offer valuable insights into the sustainable utilization of natural resources for clean energy production, highlighting the importance of responsible infrastructure management and regulatory oversight in safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

82

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

Beaver River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

400

Drainage Area

240

Nid Storage

2678

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

45
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.