Otis Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Otis Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2012 and is 14 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 32 ft (taller than 88.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 630 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 27.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00308 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Wards Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 20 ftOtis Woodlands Club Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 22 ftClam Lake Dam
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 94 ftLost Wilderness Lake Northern Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 23 ftLower Spectacle Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftUpper Spectacle Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 23 ftLost Wilderness Lake Southern Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 23 ftWatson Pond
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otis Reservoir Dam?
Otis 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 Otis Reservoir Dam?
Otis Reservoir Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otis Reservoir Dam built?
Otis Reservoir Dam was completed in 2012, making it 14 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 Otis Reservoir Dam?
Otis Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Otis Reservoir Dam?
Otis Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Otis Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Otis Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 26, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.