Turners Falls Power Canal - Right Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Turners Falls Power Canal - Right Dike, located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, is a key structure associated with the Turners Falls Canal.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a length of 4375 feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, the dam also serves recreational purposes and has a low hazard potential.

Owned by a public utility, this dam is not state-regulated and falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The dam has a storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 16,600 acre-feet. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 2000 acres and a drainage area of 7163 square miles, making it an important water resource in the region.

Despite its high risk assessment rating, the condition assessment of the dam is not currently available. With regular inspections and emergency action plans in place, the Turners Falls Power Canal - Right Dike plays a crucial role in water resource management and provides a glimpse into the intersection of hydroelectric power generation and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

4375

Dam Height

19

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

19
       
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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