Rising Paper Company Dam

HOUSATONIC RIVER· Berkshire, Massachusetts· Built 1993· Earth· 40 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Rising Paper Company Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1993 and is 33 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 92.4% in MA)
Dam Length670 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage710 acre-ft
Normal Storage195 acre-ft
Surface Area44 acres
Drainage Area279 sq mi
Year Completed1993 (33 years old)
NID IDMA00250

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 12, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rising Paper Company Dam?

Rising Paper Company Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rising Paper Company Dam?

Rising Paper Company Dam is owned by GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rising Paper Company Dam built?

Rising Paper Company Dam was completed in 1993, making it 33 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 Rising Paper Company Dam?

Rising Paper Company 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 Rising Paper Company Dam?

Rising Paper Company Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Rising Paper Company Dam last inspected?

Rising Paper Company Dam was last inspected on November 12, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.