Windsor Reservoir Dam

HOUSATONIC RIVER· Berkshire, Massachusetts· Built 1865· Earth· 51 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Windsor Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 51 ft (taller than 95.8% in MA)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage900 acre-ft
Surface Area74 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Year Completed1865 (161 years old)
NID IDMA00841

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 31, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF DALTON, DALTON FIRE DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Windsor Reservoir Dam?

Windsor Reservoir 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 Windsor Reservoir Dam?

Windsor Reservoir Dam is owned by TOWN OF DALTON, DALTON FIRE DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Windsor Reservoir Dam built?

Windsor Reservoir Dam was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Windsor Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Windsor Reservoir Dam?

Windsor Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Windsor Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Windsor Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 31, 2018. 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.