National Dam Safety Program. St. James Lake Dam (Inventory Number NY 779), St. Lawrence River Basin, Jefferson County, New York. Phase I Inspection Report.
Abstract
This report provides information and analysis of the physical condition of the dam as of the report date. St. James Lake Dam, a small, low hazard dam, is an earthen dam constructed in approximately 1923. It is located just north of the Ft. Drum cantonment area. No plans exist for the dam, however, field surveys were taken as part of this inspection. A significant feature of the dam is that it has no emergency spillway outflow occurs. Only through a service spillway consisting on twin 42 inch pipes. The drainage area is 5.14 square miles. The spillway capacity of 400 cfs is only 3 percent of the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) which was computed to be 13,670 cfs. The 1/2 PMF is 7,046 cfs. Therefore, the dam can pass the 1/2 PMF without being overtopped. The spillway is not considered seriously inadequate based on the Corps of Engineers' screening criteria since the hydrologic/hydraulic analysis indicates that failure of the dam would not pose a high hazard to loss to life from large flows downstream from the dam. However, consideration should be given to provide an emergency spillway adequate to pass 1/2 of the PMF without damage to the structure. This may be undisturbed bank of the impoundment. The deteriorated apron of the existing service spillway should be repaired immediately.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086225
Entities
People
- John B. Stetson
Organizations
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation