Montague Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Montague, also known as the Turners Falls Canal Headgates Dam, is a concrete gravity dam located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts on the Connecticut River.


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Summary

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
       
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.
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