Boreas Ponds Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Boreas Ponds Dam, located in North River, Essex County, New York, is a rockfill dam on the Boreas River with a height of 16 feet and a length of 196 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and a surface area of 126 acres. With a controlled spillway type and a low hazard potential, the dam has a very high risk assessment rating of 1, indicating the need for careful monitoring and management.

Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), Boreas Ponds Dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols in place. The dam was last inspected in October 2016, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." Despite its relatively low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment indicates a need for proactive risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

With its scenic location and recreational benefits, Boreas Ponds Dam plays a vital role in the environmental and water resource management of the region. As a key infrastructure in the area, the dam's risk assessment and management will be crucial in safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem and communities from potential hazards and ensuring sustainable water resource utilization for future generations.

Dam Length

196

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

BOREAS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

126

Nid Storage

700

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.