Upper Spectacle Pond Dam
Upper Spectacle Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1935. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Upper Spectacle Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Upper Spectacle Pond 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 Spectacle Brook near Sandisfield.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 123 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 452 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1935, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected 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. The most recent inspection on record was 04/02/2021.
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 | Sandisfield |
| River/Stream | Spectacle Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.17722, -73.11787 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 123 ft |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 452 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 452 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,468 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/02/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00304 |
| Federal ID | MA00304 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |