Sherman
Sherman is an other dam located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sherman
The primary purpose of Sherman is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Great River Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the Deerfield River near Monroe Bridge.
The dam stands 110 feet tall and stretches 989 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 218 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,480 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 236 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/03/2022.
At 110 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Monroe Bridge |
| River/Stream | Deerfield River |
| Coordinates | 42.72990, -72.92980 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 989 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,480 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,480 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,480 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 218 acres |
| Drainage Area | 236 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 87,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Great River Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00043 |
| Federal ID | MA00043 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |