Beebee Island Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beebee Island, located in Jefferson County, New York, is a private hydroelectric dam on the Black River, completed in 1931.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 726 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a maximum discharge capacity of 44,000 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Beebee Island has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite being a non-federal facility, the dam undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The emergency action plan for the dam was last updated in December 2020, indicating a commitment to safety and preparedness in case of any unforeseen events.

With its historical significance and contribution to the local energy grid, Beebee Island serves as a vital infrastructure for both water resource management and climate change mitigation efforts in the region. Its operational efficiency and low environmental impact make it a model for sustainable hydroelectric power generation in the state of New York.

Year Completed

1931

Dam Length

726

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

Black River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

20

Drainage Area

1876

Nid Storage

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

31
       
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.