Byron Weston Dam No. 1
Byron Weston Dam No. 1 is a stone dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1875. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Byron Weston Dam No. 1
The primary purpose of Byron Weston Dam No. 1 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Crane & Company, Inc. (private). It impounds the East Branch Housatonic River near Dalton.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 110 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 26 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 580 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 53 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 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 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 10/12/2021.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Berkshire |
| Nearest City | Dalton |
| River/Stream | East Branch Housatonic River |
| Coordinates | 42.47378, -73.15655 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 110 ft |
| Year Completed | 1875 (151 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 580 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 580 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Crane & Company, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/12/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00221 |
| Federal ID | MA00221 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |