Roberts Meadow Lower Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Roberts Meadow Lower Reservoir Dam, located in Northampton, Massachusetts, was completed in 1875 and serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 23 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 38.6 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Roberts Meadow Brook, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment as of September 2016, the dam undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its safety and stability. The reservoir's surface area is 0.03 square miles, providing a recreational space for the local community to enjoy. Although the risk assessment is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures mentioned in the data provided.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Roberts Meadow Lower Reservoir Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human engineering and natural landscapes. Its historical significance, recreational value, and regulatory oversight make it a noteworthy structure in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, deserving of attention and continued monitoring for the safety of the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1875

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

ROBERTS MEADOW BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.03

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

10.8

Nid Storage

38.6

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.