Littleville Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Littleville Dam, also known as Littleville Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Huntington, Massachusetts.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this gravity dam stands at a height of 164 feet and has a storage capacity of 40,600 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for water supply. The dam, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks for downstream communities along the Westfield River.
A risk assessment conducted in 2013 classified the potential risks associated with Littleville Dam as Moderate, primarily due to the large population living downstream that could be affected by catastrophic flooding in the event of a failure. While the dam significantly reduces the risk of flooding, there are potential scenarios, such as uncontrolled releases of water through the spillway during significant storm events, that could lead to downstream flooding. The towns of Huntington, Russell, and Woronoco in Massachusetts, as well as areas in neighboring counties, would be most impacted in the event of a breach, with potential significant property damage and loss of life.
Despite being unlikely, the potential consequences of a failure at Littleville Dam are severe, with downstream floodwaters posing a significant threat to communities along the Westfield River. In a worst-case scenario, floodwaters could reach heights equivalent to a two to four-story building, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The US Army Corps of Engineers continues to monitor and manage the risks associated with the dam to ensure the safety of downstream communities and infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1360 |
Dam Height |
164 |
River Or Stream |
WESTFIELD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
275 |
Hydraulic Height |
159 |
Drainage Area |
52 |
Nid Storage |
40600 |
Structural Height |
164 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
164 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
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Chester - Blanford State Forest
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KOA weathampton
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Green Point
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Rocky Point
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Tolland State Forest
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Littleville Dam