Beaver Lake Dam

BEAVER BROOK· Hampshire, Massachusetts· Built 1910· Masonry· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Beaver Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length180 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Normal Storage930 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDMA00592

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 16, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

BEAVER LAKE TRUST, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beaver Lake Dam?

Beaver Lake 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 Beaver Lake Dam?

Beaver Lake Dam is owned by BEAVER LAKE TRUST, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beaver Lake Dam built?

Beaver Lake Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Beaver Lake Dam?

Beaver Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Beaver Lake Dam?

Beaver Lake Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Beaver Lake Dam last inspected?

Beaver Lake Dam was last inspected on May 16, 2018. 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.