Watson Road Dam

TRIBUTARY OF EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC· Berkshire, Massachusetts· Built 1965· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Watson Road Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage81 acre-ft
Normal Storage42 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDMA01060

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 8, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

KIM WENDLING

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Watson Road Dam?

Watson Road 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 Watson Road Dam?

Watson Road Dam is owned by KIM WENDLING (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Watson Road Dam built?

Watson Road Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Watson Road Dam?

Watson Road 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 Watson Road Dam?

Watson Road Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Watson Road Dam last inspected?

Watson Road Dam was last inspected on June 8, 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.