Located in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, the Watson Road Dam is a privately owned structure that serves a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Crystal Mountain campsite (& privy)
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Windsor State Forest
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October Mountain State Forest
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Rocky Point
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Green Point
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Sites 11, 12, 13
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