1 Dam, is a public utility structure located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Built in 1905, this earth dam serves primarily for hydroelectric purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 16,600 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 21,500 acre-feet. The dam spans 500 feet in length and stands at a height of 10 feet, with a controlled spillway width of 10 feet.
This dam is part of the Turners Falls Canal system and is managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a very high risk due to its location and the potential consequences of a breach. The dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2018. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on condition assessment and risk management measures are currently not available.
Overall, the Turners Falls Dike plays a crucial role in the hydroelectric infrastructure of the area, providing both energy generation and recreational opportunities. Its historical significance as a key component of the canal system adds to its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Turners Falls Canal |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2000 |
Drainage Area |
7163 |
Nid Storage |
21500 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
Connecticut River At Montague City
|
29700cfs |
Millers River At Erving
|
853cfs |
Deerfield River Near West Deerfield
|
3360cfs |
South River Near Conway
|
67cfs |
North River At Shattuckville
|
418cfs |
Green River Near Colrain
|
177cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Beardsley Dam
|
||
Beardsley Dam Campground
|
||
TeleLi puLaya (Black Oak) Campground
|
||
Fraser Flat
|
||
Fraser Flat Campground
|
||
Meadowview
|
Turners Falls Dike
Montague
Gill
Turners Falls Power Canal - Right Dike
Turners Falls Power Canal - Left Dike
Cabot Spillway
Beardsley Lake
Beardsley Lake Near Strawberry Ca
Strawberry
Lyons Reservoir
Donnell Lk Nr Dardanelle Ca
Donnells
Beardsley Lake
Beardsley Lake Near Strawberry Ca
Strawberry
Lyons Reservoir
Donnell Lk Nr Dardanelle Ca
Donnells
0.15 Mile Downstream From Road 4N26B To Confluence With Lilly Creek
One-Tenth Mile Downstream Of Coffin Hollow To Confluence With Bell Creek And Clavey River
One-Tenth Mile Upstream Of Crabtree Trailhead To 0.15 Mile Downstream Of Road 4N26B
Lilly Creek (Source At Chewing Gum Lake And Y Meadow Lake) To One-Tenth Mile Downstream Of Coffin Hollow
Bell Creek Headwaters To One-Tenth Mile Upstream Of Crabtree Trailhead
Clavey River At Confluence Of Bell And Lily Creeks To 3N01