Quabbin Spillway
Key Takeaway
Quabbin Spillway is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 405 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.8M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25,216 acres |
| Drainage Area | 187 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00589 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
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
Quabbin Winsor Dam
Hampshire, MA
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Low Hazard 7 ftQuabbin Goodnough Dike
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Significant Hazard 8 ftJuda Dam
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Low Hazard 16 ftBeaver Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftPilchs #3 Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftBondsville Upper Dam
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Significant Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Quabbin Spillway?
Quabbin Spillway is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Quabbin Spillway?
Quabbin Spillway 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 Quabbin Spillway built?
Quabbin Spillway was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Quabbin Spillway?
Quabbin Spillway 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 Quabbin Spillway?
Quabbin Spillway has a dam height of 10 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 Quabbin Spillway last inspected?
Quabbin Spillway was last inspected on August 4, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.