Stockbridge Bowl Dam
Key Takeaway
Stockbridge Bowl Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 376 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00022 |
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
TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE, BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Echo Lake Dam
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftShaker Mill Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 18 ftGlendale
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 30 ftLower Root Reservoir
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 34 ftUpper Root Reservoir
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 36 ftHurlbut Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftLaurel Lake Dam
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 12 ftColumbia Mill Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Stockbridge Bowl Dam?
Stockbridge Bowl 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 Stockbridge Bowl Dam?
Stockbridge Bowl Dam is owned by TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Stockbridge Bowl Dam built?
Stockbridge Bowl Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Stockbridge Bowl Dam?
Stockbridge Bowl 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 Stockbridge Bowl Dam?
Stockbridge Bowl Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Stockbridge Bowl Dam last inspected?
Stockbridge Bowl Dam was last inspected on October 22, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.