Shelburne Falls Fire District Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Shelburne Falls Fire District Reservoir Dam, located in Colrain, Massachusetts, is a rockfill dam completed in 1926 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

This dam stands at 28 feet in height and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a length of 490 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 42 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 52 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding area.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, the Shelburne Falls Fire District Reservoir Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. With a fair condition assessment and a significant hazard potential, the dam undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the dam serves as a vital resource for the community and plays a key role in water resource management in the region.

The dam spans across Fox Brook to North River and covers a surface area of 3.1 acres, with a drainage area of 0.6 square miles. With an uncontrolled spillway type and a spillway width of 0 feet, the dam is designed to manage water flow efficiently. Overall, the Shelburne Falls Fire District Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management and serves as a critical infrastructure for the local community in Massachusetts.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

FOX BROOK TO NORTH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

3.1

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.