Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam

BASSETT BROOK· Berkshire, Massachusetts· Built 1967· Concrete· 29 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 85.7% in MA)
Dam Length214 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage16 acre-ft
Normal Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)
NID IDMA00212

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 2, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF ADAMS, ADAMS FIRE DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by TOWN OF ADAMS, ADAMS FIRE DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam built?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 29 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Bassett Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 2, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.