Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
Key Takeaway
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 60 ft (taller than 97.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01057 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TOWN OF RUSSELL, PL-566/FLOOD CONTROL, BOARD OF WATER COMMISSION
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Russell
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 30 ftLittleville Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 164 ftRussell Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftWoronoco - South Dam
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 25 ftWestfield Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 41 ftKnightville Dam
Hampshire, MA
High Hazard 150 ftCobble Mountain Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 245 ftBorden Brook Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 75 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam is owned by TOWN OF RUSSELL, PL-566/FLOOD CONTROL, BOARD OF WATER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam built?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam has a dam height of 60 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 Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam last inspected?
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam was last inspected on July 20, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.