West Whately Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Francis P. Ryan Dam Roaring Brook Dam
Last Updated: February 23, 2026
The West Whately Reservoir Dam, located in Whately, Massachusetts, was completed in 1903 and is owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 23 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, serves as a critical water supply source with a storage capacity of 99 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is water supply, and it sits on the WEST BROOK river, within the Franklin County area.
With a surface area of 20.48 acres and a drainage area of 6.2 square miles, the West Whately Reservoir Dam has a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has an inspection frequency of every 2 years. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, with a risk management plan in place to address potential safety concerns. Overall, the West Whately Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources to the community while balancing the need for safety and risk management measures.
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mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.48 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
6.2 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deerfield River Near West Deerfield
|
569cfs |
South River Near Conway
|
25cfs |
Mill River At Northampton
|
64cfs |
Connecticut River At Montague City
|
7410cfs |
Westfield River At Knightville
|
132cfs |
North River At Shattuckville
|
95cfs |
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.
West Whately Reservoir Dam