Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 32 ft (taller than 88.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 905 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 172 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 62 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1957 (69 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00574 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 41 ftUpper Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 18 ftLower Bemis Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 33 ftDwight
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftChicopee
Hampden, MA
Low Hazard 9 ftSpringfield Country Club Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftWatershops Pond Dam
Hampden, MA
High Hazard 33 ftPorter Lake Dam
Hampden, MA
Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir 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 Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF SPRINGFIELD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam built?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir 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 Van Horn Reservoir Dam?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Van Horn Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 24, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.