Montague, also known as the Turners Falls Canal Headgates Dam, is a concrete gravity dam located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts on the Connecticut River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1915 for hydroelectric power generation and recreation purposes, this dam stands at 35 feet high and spans 630 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 224,000 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 480 feet, Montague is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has a low hazard potential.
Despite its age, Montague's risk assessment reveals a very high level of risk, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2011, and it has not undergone a condition assessment. However, with a history of regular inspections every three years and a solid foundation on rock, Montague remains a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management system. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Montague offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of hydroelectric power, recreation, and environmental stewardship along the Connecticut River.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
Connecticut River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
2000 |
Drainage Area |
7163 |
Nid Storage |
21500 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
35 |
Connecticut River At Montague City
|
4540cfs |
Millers River At Erving
|
174cfs |
Deerfield River Near West Deerfield
|
340cfs |
South River Near Conway
|
13cfs |
Green River Near Colrain
|
26cfs |
North River At Shattuckville
|
42cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Barton Cove
|
||
Erving State Forest
|
||
Richardson-Zlogar Cabin
|