Button Shop Dam #1, located in Northampton, Massachusetts, is a masonry dam on the Mill River with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands 20 feet high and has a maximum storage capacity of 40 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 13.5 acre-feet. It covers a surface area of 4.5 acres and has a drainage area of 35 square miles.
Owned privately, Button Shop Dam #1 is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. The last inspection was conducted in March 1998, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam meets guidelines for emergency action plans and has not reported any major incidents or modifications in recent years.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Button Shop Dam #1 an intriguing structure with its unique buttress core type and uncontrolled spillway design. Its location in the scenic Hampshire County, Massachusetts, offers recreational opportunities and serves as a vital component of the local water management infrastructure. Despite the potential risks associated with its significant hazard level, the dam is maintained in satisfactory condition, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and preserving the natural beauty of the Mill River.
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MILL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
35 |
Nid Storage |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |