Cottage Street Dam
Key Takeaway
Cottage Street Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 79.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 435 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 305 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00487 |
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
CITY OF EASTHAMPTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Significant Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottage Street Dam?
Cottage Street 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 Cottage Street Dam?
Cottage Street Dam is owned by CITY OF EASTHAMPTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottage Street Dam built?
Cottage Street Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Cottage Street Dam?
Cottage Street Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cottage Street Dam?
Cottage Street Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Cottage Street Dam last inspected?
Cottage Street Dam was last inspected on September 26, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.