Porter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Porter Lake Dam, located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, was completed in 1919 and serves as a recreational site along the Pecousic River.


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Summary

The dam is primarily used for recreation purposes, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 450 feet, creating a surface area of 30 acres and a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance, Porter Lake Dam is currently rated as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential due to its age and structural integrity.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected to ensure public safety and compliance with enforcement measures. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, adding to the risk factor associated with its operation. While the risk assessment for Porter Lake Dam is moderate, the condition assessment highlights the urgent need for maintenance and potential risk management measures to prevent any potential disasters or emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Porter Lake Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of historical infrastructure and modern-day challenges in dam management. As a beloved recreational site in Springfield, Massachusetts, the dam's significance lies not only in its engineering marvel but also in the need for sustainable practices to ensure its longevity and safety for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1919

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

PECOUSIC RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

21.7

Drainage Area

6.13

Nid Storage

450

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.