Alpina Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Harrisville Blanchard Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Alpina Dam, also known as Lake Bonaparte Dam, is a concrete structure located in the Lewis County of New York.
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Summary
Completed in 1933, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage. With a height of 7 feet and a length of 120 feet, Alpina Dam has a normal storage capacity of 39,739 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,286 acres. Situated on Bonaparte Creek within the Ft Drum Military Reservation, this dam is regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Despite its low hazard potential, Alpina Dam has a very high risk rating due to its age and condition assessment being listed as 'Not Rated'. This raises concerns for the safety and effectiveness of the structure in the face of potential climate-induced challenges such as increased precipitation and extreme weather events. The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 63 feet, plays a crucial role in managing water discharge during heavy rainfall, highlighting the importance of ongoing inspections and maintenance to ensure its resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
As a key infrastructure in the region, Alpina Dam underscores the significance of integrating climate adaptation measures into dam management practices. With the potential for increased flood risks and water scarcity in the future, proactive risk management and emergency preparedness are essential to safeguarding both the dam's structural integrity and the surrounding communities that rely on its services. This highlights the need for continued monitoring and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate on water resources and infrastructure systems.
Year Completed |
1933 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
BONAPARTE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1286 |
Drainage Area |
18.4 |
Nid Storage |
39739 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
7 |
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.
Alpina Dam
Lake Bonaparte