Upper Bemis Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Bemis Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 335 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00069 |
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
CITY OF CHICOPEE, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 33 ftDwight
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftChicopee
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftUpper Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 32 ftLower Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 41 ftChicopee Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 47 ftMountain Lake Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 32 ftSpringfield Country Club Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Bemis Pond Dam?
Upper Bemis Pond Dam 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 Upper Bemis Pond Dam?
Upper Bemis Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF CHICOPEE, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Bemis Pond Dam built?
Upper Bemis Pond Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Upper Bemis Pond Dam?
Upper Bemis Pond 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 Upper Bemis Pond Dam?
Upper Bemis Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Upper Bemis Pond Dam last inspected?
Upper Bemis Pond Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.