Chicopee Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Chicopee, a historic hydroelectric dam located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, has been serving multiple purposes since its completion in 1898.
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Summary
With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, Chicopee Dam also provides fire protection, stock and fish pond maintenance, flood risk reduction, and recreational opportunities. Situated on the Chicopee River, this masonry dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 314 feet, with a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 24,800 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Chicopee Dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to have a moderate risk level. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not available, with the last inspection conducted in June 2017. While the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in November 2020, there is no information available regarding its compliance with guidelines or the preparation of inundation maps. With its rich history and ongoing operational significance, Chicopee Dam remains a critical asset in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Chicopee Dam to be a fascinating example of sustainable infrastructure with long-standing benefits to the community. Its multi-purpose functionality, including hydroelectric power generation and flood risk reduction, underscores the importance of integrated water resource management strategies. With ongoing risk assessments and emergency preparedness measures, Chicopee Dam continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding area, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation in modern infrastructure practices.
Year Completed |
1898 |
Dam Length |
314 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Chicopee River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
120 |
Drainage Area |
714 |
Nid Storage |
310 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Chicopee
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