Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1848 and is 178 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 41 ft (taller than 93% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 360 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1848 (178 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00571 |
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 SPRINGFIELD, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, BUILDINGS, AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 32 ftUpper Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 18 ftLower Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 33 ftDwight
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftSpringfield Country Club Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftChicopee
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftWatershops Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 33 ftWest Springfield
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Lower Van Horn 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 Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, BUILDINGS, AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam built?
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam was completed in 1848, making it 178 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 Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.