Hurlbut Dam, located in Lee, Massachusetts, is a private dam regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, completed in 1872, spans the Housatonic River and has a height of 24 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, the dam serves various purposes and has a significant hazard potential. Despite its age, Hurlbut Dam is in satisfactory condition and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity.
The dam's design, classified as a buttress core type with an uncontrolled spillway, reflects the engineering techniques of the time. Its location in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, contributes to its role in managing water resources and regulating the flow of the Housatonic River. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
As a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region, Hurlbut Dam symbolizes the intersection of historical engineering achievements and modern-day regulatory practices. Its presence along the Housatonic River not only highlights the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure for climate resilience but also underscores the ongoing efforts to balance water resource utilization with environmental conservation. With its rich history and significant role in the local ecosystem, Hurlbut Dam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of water resource management in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1872 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
HOUSATONIC RIVER |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
243 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
24 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Shaker camp
|
||
October Mountain State Forest
|
||
Beartown State Forest
|
||
AT Thruhiker camping
|
||
Green Point
|
||
Rocky Point
|