Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Deerfield No.


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Summary

5 - Canal #3, located in Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts, is a privately owned Earth dam built in 1910 for hydroelectric purposes on the Deerfield River. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 1939 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 818 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 237 square miles. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam poses a high risk due to its age and condition assessment being unavailable.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #3 has no state jurisdiction or regulation. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, and it is associated with four other structures. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans, it undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of one year to ensure public safety and compliance with federal regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #3 offers a glimpse into the historical development of hydroelectric infrastructure in the Berkshire County area. As a key component of the local water management system, this dam provides valuable insights into the intersection of energy production, environmental conservation, and regulatory oversight in the region. Despite its age and risk profile, the dam continues to play a vital role in supporting the energy needs of the community while highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance for sustainable water resource management.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

1939

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Deerfield River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Drainage Area

237

Nid Storage

818

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.