Riiska Brook Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Riiska Brook Dam, located in Sandisfield, Massachusetts, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this dam stands at a height of 18.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 15.5 feet, providing a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam, situated on a tributary of Riiska Brook, covers a surface area of 0.01 acres and has a low hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of 2009.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, Riiska Brook Dam has state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. While the dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3, there have been no recent risk management measures identified or implemented. With its scenic location in Berkshire County, this dam serves as a vital recreational resource for locals and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

Despite its age, Riiska Brook Dam remains a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of Massachusetts, providing both recreational enjoyment and a source of water storage for the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of dams like Riiska Brook will be crucial in maintaining a sustainable and resilient water supply for the community.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF RIISKA BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.01

Hydraulic Height

15.5

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.