Sandwash Reservoir Dam
Sandwash Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1936. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Sandwash Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Sandwash 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 City Of Pittsfield (local government). It impounds the Tributary Of Roaring Brook near Washington.
The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 1,550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 69 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,390 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1936, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/19/2022.
At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% 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 | Washington |
| River/Stream | Tributary Of Roaring Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.36692, -73.17092 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,390 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,390 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 69 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,135 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Pittsfield |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/19/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00316 |
| Federal ID | MA00316 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |