Chicopee Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Chicopee Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 47 ft (taller than 94.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 530 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 575 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 322 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00720 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Chicopee
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftMountain Lake Dam
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High Hazard 32 ftLower Bemis Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 33 ftUpper Bemis Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 18 ftDwight
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Significant Hazard 24 ftWade Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftIndian Orchard
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High Hazard 30 ftHarris Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chicopee Reservoir Dam?
Chicopee Reservoir 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 Chicopee Reservoir Dam?
Chicopee Reservoir Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chicopee Reservoir Dam built?
Chicopee Reservoir Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Reservoir Dam?
Chicopee Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Chicopee Reservoir Dam?
Chicopee Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Chicopee Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.