The Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, was completed in 1848 and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a hydraulic height of 35.7 feet, providing a storage capacity of 360 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition according to the latest assessment in October 2020, with a high hazard potential due to its location on an unnamed tributary of the Connecticut River.
With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks for the surrounding area while also offering recreational opportunities. The dam's design features a buttress core type and an uncontrolled spillway type, emphasizing its focus on flood risk reduction. The structure's moderate risk assessment of 3 indicates a manageable level of potential hazards, although regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure its continued safety and functionality. As a key component of water resource management in the region, the Lower Van Horn Reservoir Dam showcases the intersection of infrastructure, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1848 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF CONNECTICUT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
35.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
360 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
41 |