Ashmere Lake Dam
Ashmere Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1875. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ashmere Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Ashmere Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Bennett Brook near Hinsdale.
The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 294 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,880 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1875, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 05/07/2024.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
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 | Berkshire |
| Nearest City | Hinsdale |
| River/Stream | Bennett Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.43669, -73.08051 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1875 (151 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,880 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,880 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,080 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 294 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,470 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/07/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00223 |
| Federal ID | MA00223 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |