Factory Hollow Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Factory Hollow Dike in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure designed to control Cushman Brook's flow for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This Earth dam stands at 5 feet high and stretches 160 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.3 acres. Despite its recreational significance, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition, last inspected in July 2016.
Located in Hampshire County, the Factory Hollow Dike is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state jurisdiction and permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. While the dam does not have a spillway, it presents a high risk, requiring further risk assessment and management measures to ensure public safety. With Congressman James P. McGovern representing the area, the dam's condition assessment and emergency action plan readiness need improvement to mitigate any potential risks in the future.
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
5 |
River Or Stream |
CUSHMAN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
16.8 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
5 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
West Branch Swift River Near Shutesbury
|
4cfs |
Mill River At Northampton
|
36cfs |
Deerfield River Near West Deerfield
|
1060cfs |
Connecticut River At Montague City
|
2910cfs |
South River Near Conway
|
33cfs |
Millers River At Erving
|
171cfs |
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.
Factory Hollow Dike