Buffumville Dam
Key Takeaway
Buffumville Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 610 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 12.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00964 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buffumville Dam?
Buffumville 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 Buffumville Dam?
Buffumville Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Buffumville Dam built?
Buffumville Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Buffumville Dam?
Buffumville 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 Buffumville Dam?
Buffumville Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Buffumville Dam last inspected?
Buffumville Dam was last inspected on October 29, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.