Watson Road Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Located in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, the Watson Road Dam is a privately owned structure that serves a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. The dam sits on a tributary of the East Branch Housatonic River and covers a surface area of 5.7 acres within a drainage area of 0.16 square miles.

Despite its recreational function, the Watson Road Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection conducted in June 2017 highlighted the need for improvement, and the dam is classified as high risk. With no spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, there are concerns regarding the dam's ability to withstand potential disasters. The state regulatory agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation, oversees the dam's permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes to ensure compliance with safety standards. Climate and water resource enthusiasts are drawn to the complexities of managing this dam in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF EAST BRANCH HOUSATONIC

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.7

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

81

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.