Soft Maple Dike No. 6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Soft Maple Dike No.


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Summary

6, located in Belfort, Lewis, New York, was completed in 1926 and serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes. This private structure is owned by a private entity and falls under the jurisdiction of the state. With a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 150 feet, it holds a storage capacity of 2,678 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 400 acres within a drainage area of 240 square miles.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Soft Maple Dike No. 6 has a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment rating. Despite the lack of available information on its condition assessment, the structure undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam, constructed with earth and stone materials on a rock foundation, is an integral part of the water resource management system in the area, contributing to the sustainability of the Beaver River and surrounding ecosystem.

With its historical significance and vital role in hydroelectric power generation, Soft Maple Dike No. 6 stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, structures like Soft Maple Dike No. 6 play a crucial role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on the local environment and communities that rely on its services.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

150

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

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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.