Alder Pond
Alder Pond is an earth dam located in Oneida County, New York, built in 1850. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Alder Pond
The primary purpose of Alder Pond 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 New York State Canal Corporation (state). It impounds the Black River near Forestport.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a storage capacity of 61 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1850, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 03/31/2022.
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 | Oneida |
| Nearest City | Forestport |
| River/Stream | Black River |
| Coordinates | 43.43890, -75.20946 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | New York State Canal Corporation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NY01489 |
| Federal ID | NY01489 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |