Knightville Dam, also known as Dry Reservoir, is a rockfill dam located in Hampshire, Massachusetts, along the Westfield River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1941 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at 150 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 64,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a spillway width of 400 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 83,000 cubic feet per second. The dam poses a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment due to the large population living downstream that could be affected by catastrophic flooding in the event of a dam failure.
Although the risk of a dam failure is deemed unlikely, potential scenarios include uncontrolled high-volume releases from the spillway during significant storm events. The downstream communities, including Knightville, Huntington, and Russell, could be at risk of flooding in such situations. While the USACE has measures in place to monitor and manage the risks associated with Knightville Dam, including an Emergency Action Plan, there is ongoing study and assessment to further understand and mitigate any potential hazards. It is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the dam's operations and risk management efforts to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
150 |
River Or Stream |
WESTFIELD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
145 |
Drainage Area |
162 |
Nid Storage |
64000 |
Structural Height |
150 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
150 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
KOA weathampton
|
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Chester - Blanford State Forest
|
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Green Point
|
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Rocky Point
|
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DAR State Forest
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