Located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the Cabot Spillway is a concrete gravity dam completed in 1915 for hydroelectric and recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 35 feet and a length of 168 feet, the dam has a maximum storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 7,163 square miles. The spillway, with a controlled type and a width of 120 feet, can discharge up to 16,000 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Cabot Spillway has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. Despite not being state-regulated, inspected, or permitted, the dam features eight slide gates for outlet control and is associated with six other structures in the area. While its condition assessment is not currently available, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2011, highlighting the importance of preparedness in the face of potential climate-related challenges.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cabot Spillway presents an intriguing case study of a historic dam in New England with significant hydroelectric capacity. As debates around dam safety and climate resilience continue, the risk management measures and emergency protocols for the Cabot Spillway serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and monitoring in safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential hazards and impacts of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
168 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
Turners Falls Canal |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
2000 |
Drainage Area |
7163 |
Nid Storage |
21500 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
35 |
Connecticut River At Montague City
|
4540cfs |
Deerfield River Near West Deerfield
|
340cfs |
South River Near Conway
|
13cfs |
Millers River At Erving
|
174cfs |
North River At Shattuckville
|
42cfs |
Green River Near Colrain
|
26cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Barton Cove
|
||
Erving State Forest
|
||
Richardson-Zlogar Cabin
|