Byron Weston Dam No. 1

EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC RIVER· Berkshire, Massachusetts· Built 1875· Stone· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 84.2% in MA)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeStone
Max Storage580 acre-ft
Normal Storage125 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area53 sq mi
Year Completed1875 (151 years old)
NID IDMA00221

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: October 13, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CRANE & COMPANY, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Byron Weston Dam No. 1?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 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 Byron Weston Dam No. 1?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 is owned by CRANE & COMPANY, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Byron Weston Dam No. 1 built?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Byron Weston Dam No. 1?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Byron Weston Dam No. 1?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 28 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 Byron Weston Dam No. 1 last inspected?

Byron Weston Dam No. 1 was last inspected on October 13, 2016. 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.