Mountain Street Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Mountain Street Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 | 33 ft (taller than 89.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 761 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 550 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00082 |
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
Nearby Dams
Mountain Street Reservoir Dikes
Hampshire, MA
Low Hazard 16 ftWest Whately Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 23 ftBrass Mill Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftFrancis P. Ryan Dam
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High Hazard 80 ftFitzgerald Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftChartpak Dam
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Significant Hazard 31 ftButton Shop Dam #1
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Significant Hazard 20 ftButton Shop Dam #2
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Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mountain Street Reservoir Dam?
Mountain Street 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 Mountain Street Reservoir Dam?
Mountain Street Reservoir 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 Mountain Street Reservoir Dam built?
Mountain Street Reservoir Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Mountain Street Reservoir Dam?
Mountain Street 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 Mountain Street Reservoir Dam?
Mountain Street Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Mountain Street Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Mountain Street Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 20, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.