Whiting Street Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Whiting Street Reservoir Dam, located in Hampden, Massachusetts, was completed in 1900 and serves as a vital water supply structure in the area.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 2,190 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 2,005 acre-feet. With a surface area of 1.92 square miles and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Whiting Street Reservoir Dam is classified as a masonry dam with a primary purpose of water supply. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a hazard potential rated as high and a condition assessment of fair. Despite some risks associated with the dam, it meets regulatory guidelines and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan in place, last revised in January 2018. With a moderate risk level and a designated risk management system in place, the Whiting Street Reservoir Dam exemplifies the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

1.92

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

2190

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.