Francis P. Ryan Dam
Francis P. Ryan Dam is an earth dam located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, built in 1970. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Francis P. Ryan Dam
The primary purpose of Francis P. Ryan 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 Northampton (local government). It impounds the West Brook near Whately.
The dam stands 80 feet tall and stretches 940 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 79 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,820 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1970, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 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 07/27/2022.
At 80 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Whately |
| River/Stream | West Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.44257, -72.68407 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 80 ft |
| Dam Length | 940 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,820 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,820 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,460 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 79 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Northampton |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00521 |
| Federal ID | MA00521 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |