Mountain Lake Dam Dam
Mountain Lake Dam
Mountain Lake Dam, located in Hampden, Massachusetts, serves as a vital structure regulating the flow of WILLIMANSETT BROOK, a tributary of the Chicopee River. Built in 1923, this Earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 74.9 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mountain Lake Dam is under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The primary purpose of the dam is categorized as "Other," with no specific purposes listed. Although there are no associated structures or federal agency involvements, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its location in Chicopee and oversight by local government authorities, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and regulating water resources in the face of climate change challenges.
With a history dating back almost a century, Mountain Lake Dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and regulation in Massachusetts. As a significant Earth dam with a moderate risk assessment, the structure exemplifies the importance of monitoring and maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental conditions. With its high hazard potential, the dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of water resources and climate resilience, highlighting the ongoing efforts required to ensure the safety and sustainability of such critical infrastructure in the region.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Mountain Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut R At Interstate 391 Bridge At Holyoke | 4,010 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 246 cfs | → |
| Westfield River Near Westfield | 107 cfs | → |
| Mill River At Northampton | 9 cfs | → |
| Swift River At West Ware | 49 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At Thompsonville | 4,740 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mountain Lake Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Mountain Lake Dam
Where does the data for Mountain Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.