Cottage Street Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cottage Street Dam, located in Easthampton, Massachusetts, was completed in 1957 and serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, stands at a height of 24.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, creating a storage capacity of 435 acre-feet. It spans 300 feet across the Broad Brook and White Brook rivers, covering a surface area of 30 acres.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2017, Cottage Street Dam is classified with a high hazard potential and a moderate risk level. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety. While the dam currently does not have an Emergency Action Plan meeting guidelines, it is subject to regular inspections every two years to monitor its structural integrity.

With its scenic location and ample storage capacity, Cottage Street Dam offers both recreational opportunities and potential risks for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a key structure in the New England District, the dam's maintenance and risk management measures are essential to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

24.5

River Or Stream

BROAD BROOK & WHITE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

10.2

Nid Storage

435

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.