West Lake Dam, located in Sandisfield, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure designed by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19.5 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 1130 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 480 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 60 acres and has a drainage area of 1.4 square miles.
The dam, built on Morley Brook, serves as a recreational spot in addition to its primary purpose of providing a habitat for fish and wildlife. While the hazard potential is classified as high, the condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the last inspection in June 2016. The dam follows uncontrolled spillway and outlet gate configurations, and its risk assessment is rated as moderate.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, West Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and wildlife conservation in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the construction and design details of this structure, along with its regulatory oversight and risk management measures, to be of particular interest in understanding the intersection of infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
920 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
MORLEY BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
19.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
1130 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Tolland State Forest
|
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Beartown State Forest
|
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Shaker camp
|
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AT Thruhiker camping
|
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Granville State Forest
|
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Green Point
|