Francis P. Ryan Dam
Key Takeaway
Francis P. Ryan Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 80 ft (taller than 98.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 940 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 79 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00521 |
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 NORTHAMPTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
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Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Francis P. Ryan Dam?
Francis P. Ryan 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 Francis P. Ryan Dam?
Francis P. Ryan Dam is owned by CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Francis P. Ryan Dam built?
Francis P. Ryan Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Francis P. Ryan Dam?
Francis P. Ryan 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 Francis P. Ryan Dam?
Francis P. Ryan Dam has a dam height of 80 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 Francis P. Ryan Dam last inspected?
Francis P. Ryan Dam was last inspected on September 20, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.