Hawley Reservoir Dam
Hawley Reservoir Dam is a stone dam located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1890. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Hawley Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Hawley Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Town Of Amherst (local government). It impounds the Harris Brook near Pelham.
The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 160 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1890, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/10/2021.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Pelham |
| River/Stream | Harris Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.37527, -72.44343 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 160 ft |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 425 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Amherst |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 09/10/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00065 |
| Federal ID | MA00065 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |