Chicopee Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chicopee Reservoir Dam, located in Hampden, Massachusetts, was completed in 1927 and serves as a vital structure for fish and wildlife conservation, as well as recreational activities.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for its Fish and Wildlife Pond, stands at a height of 47 feet with a hydraulic height of 38.5 feet. With a storage capacity of 575 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 322 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem of the surrounding area.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, the Chicopee Reservoir Dam is regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and design, but it has been assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2016. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam continues to provide essential services for water resource management and environmental conservation in the region.

As a key component in the management of Cooley Brook, the Chicopee Reservoir Dam plays a pivotal role in regulating water flow and maintaining the surrounding ecosystem. With its earth dam design and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam provides essential support for the local wildlife and recreational activities while also posing a potential risk that requires careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the community and the environment.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

COOLEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

38.5

Drainage Area

3.7

Nid Storage

575

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.