Dwight
Dwight is a masonry dam located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, built in 1860. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Dwight
The primary purpose of Dwight is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Chicopee River near Chicopee.
The dam stands 24 feet tall and stretches 327 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 718 square miles. Completed in 1860, 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 09/19/2022.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampden |
| Nearest City | Chicopee |
| River/Stream | Chicopee River |
| Coordinates | 42.14980, -72.59950 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 327 ft |
| Year Completed | 1860 (166 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 718 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/19/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00721 |
| Federal ID | MA00721 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |