Soft Maple Dike No. 4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Soft Maple Dike No.
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Summary
4, located in Belfort, New York, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1926 for hydroelectric purposes on the Beaver River. Standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 300 feet in length, this dam has a storage capacity of 2,678 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 240 acres. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the state and undergoes regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
With a total of 8 associated structures, including Soft Maple Dike No. 4, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Lewis County, New York. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectricity generation, reflecting its contribution to sustainable energy practices. Despite the absence of a spillway, the dam's risk assessment is rated as high (2), emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures.
Soft Maple Dike No. 4 stands as a historic landmark, blending engineering ingenuity with environmental stewardship. As climate change impacts water resources and energy production, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of resilient infrastructure in maintaining water security and adapting to a changing climate. The collaboration between state and federal agencies in regulating and inspecting the dam underscores the shared responsibility in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Beaver River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
400 |
Drainage Area |
240 |
Nid Storage |
2678 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Soft Maple Dike No. 4
Stillwater Reservoir Nr Beaver River Ny