Holyoke Dam dam
Holyoke Dam
The Holyoke Dam, located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to the power of hydroelectric energy generation and the beauty of the Connecticut River. Built in 1900, this masonry dam is primarily used for hydroelectric purposes, harnessing the river's flow to produce clean energy for the region. With a dam height of 30 feet and a length of 1770 feet, the Holyoke Dam boasts impressive engineering feats that have stood the test of time.
Surrounded by the picturesque Hampshire County, the Holyoke Dam not only serves as a source of renewable energy but also provides recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. The dam's controlled spillway, with a width of 1020 feet, ensures the safe management of water flow during periods of high discharge. The dam's storage capacity of 26,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 2290 acres further highlight its significance in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Holyoke Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a significant hazard potential and very high risk assessment, the dam plays a crucial role in the region's water resource management and highlights the importance of sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the face of changing climates. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Holyoke Dam stands as a beacon of innovation and adaptation in the realm of renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Holyoke Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut R At Interstate 391 Bridge At Holyoke | 28,800 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 1,050 cfs | → |
| Mill River At Northampton | 43 cfs | → |
| Westfield River Near Westfield | 388 cfs | → |
| Middle B Westfield River At Goss Heights | 8 cfs | → |
| Swift River At West Ware | 45 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Holyoke Dam .
Boat launches
- Mount Tom Road 900-978, Easthampton
- Old Apremont Way, Westfield
- Water Street 266-334, Springfield
- West Street 121, Springfield
- South End Bridge Agawam
- Red Bridge Road 16, Wilbraham
Campgrounds
- Westover Arb Military
- Koa Weathampton
- Chester - Blanford State Forest
- Primitve Camping Area
- Dar State Forest
- Granville State Forest
Fishing spots
- Lake Washington Fishing Area
- Trout Hatchery
- Great Brook Reservoir
- Lower Fulton Park Pond
- Lake Quassapaug
Paddle runs
- The Massachusetts-Connecticut State Line In Hartland To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- The Confluence Of The East And West Branches To The Confluence With The Farmington River In East Granby
- Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Rainbow Dam To The Confluence With The Connecticut River
- The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- New Hartford/Canton Town Line To The Confluence With The Nepaug River
- The Confluence With The Nepaug River To A Point 0.2 Miles Below The Lower Collinsville Dam Tailrace
Track Holyoke Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Holyoke Dam
Where does the data for Holyoke Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Holyoke Dam .