Farnham Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Farnham Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 105 ft (taller than 99.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00314 |
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 PITTSFIELD, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Local Government
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Farnham Reservoir Dam?
Farnham 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 Farnham Reservoir Dam?
Farnham Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF PITTSFIELD, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Farnham Reservoir Dam built?
Farnham Reservoir Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Farnham Reservoir Dam?
Farnham Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Farnham Reservoir Dam?
Farnham Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 105 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 Farnham Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Farnham Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 28, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.