Mill River Dam, located in Northampton, Massachusetts, is a concrete buttress dam completed in 1939 with a primary purpose of "other." The dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a hydraulic height of 34.6 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 26 acre-feet.
Wind
Humidity
With a drainage area of 54 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial structure for the Mill River Diversion.
The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is classified as having a "significant" hazard potential with a "fair" condition assessment as of 2015. The dam's spillway is of the uncontrolled type, with a width of 0 feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of downstream areas. The dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2015.
Overall, the Mill River Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, serving as a key infrastructure for flood control and water storage. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and engineering design of this concrete buttress dam, while also recognizing the importance of continued regulatory oversight and maintenance to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term functionality of this essential structure in the region.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
MILL RIVER DIVERSION |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
12.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
34.6 |
Drainage Area |
54 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |