Effley Intake
Effley Intake is a concrete dam located in Lewis County, New York, built in 1902. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Effley Intake
The primary purpose of Effley Intake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.p. (private). It impounds the Beaver River near Belfort.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 75 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 340 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,140 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 249 square miles. Completed in 1902, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/09/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New York dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New York |
| County | Lewis |
| Nearest City | Belfort |
| River/Stream | Beaver River |
| Coordinates | 43.92280, -75.27760 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 75 ft |
| Year Completed | 1902 (124 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,140 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,140 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,140 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 340 acres |
| Drainage Area | 249 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY00302 |
| Federal ID | NY00302S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |