Chicopee
Key Takeaway
Chicopee is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1898 and is 128 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 314 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 120 acres |
| Drainage Area | 714 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00719 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Chicopee, MA
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 33 ftUpper Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 18 ftDwight
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftChicopee Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 47 ftMountain Lake Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 32 ftUpper Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 32 ftLower Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 41 ftHolyoke Dam
Hampshire, MA
Significant Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chicopee?
Chicopee is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Chicopee?
Chicopee is owned by City of Chicopee, MA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chicopee built?
Chicopee was completed in 1898, making it 128 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 Chicopee?
Chicopee serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Chicopee?
Chicopee has a dam height of 9 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 Chicopee last inspected?
Chicopee was last inspected on June 19, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.