Squires Dam

TRIBUTARY OF WALES BROOK· Hampden, Massachusetts· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Squires Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage30 acre-ft
Normal Storage8 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
NID IDMA02382

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: No
Last Inspection: June 20, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF WALES, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Lake George Dam

Hampden, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Shawville Pond Dam

Hampden, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Vinica Pond

Hampden, MA

Low Hazard 13 ft

Woodman Pond Dam

Hampden, MA

Low Hazard 15 ft

Norcross Pond #3 Dam

Hampden, MA

Low Hazard 16 ft

Norcross Pond #2 Dam

Hampden, MA

Low Hazard 19 ft

Dean Pond Dam

Hampden, MA

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Wheeler Pond Dam

Hampden, MA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Squires Dam?

Squires 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 Squires Dam?

Squires Dam is owned by TOWN OF WALES, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Squires Dam?

Squires Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Squires Dam?

Squires Dam 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 Squires Dam last inspected?

Squires Dam was last inspected on June 20, 2017. 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.