Atkins Reservoir Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Atkins Reservoir Dike in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, is a gravity dam constructed in 1932 for water supply purposes on the Adams Brook.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 11 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 870 acre-feet. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 615 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 51 acres with a drainage area of 0.49 square miles.
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 and compliance. The condition assessment of the dam is rated as fair, with a low hazard potential. Despite the high risk assessment (2), the dam is considered to be in a manageable condition, with no emergency action plan currently prepared or updated. The last inspection of the dam took place in September 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 10 years.
Atkins Reservoir Dike is a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area, serving as a critical component for the water supply needs of the local community. With its historical significance and continued operation, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water security and sustainability for the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the details of the Atkins Reservoir Dike's design, construction, and regulatory oversight to be of interest in understanding the complexities of managing water infrastructure in Massachusetts.
Year Completed |
1932 |
Dam Length |
575 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
ADAMS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
51 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
0.49 |
Nid Storage |
870 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Atkins Reservoir Dike