Indian Orchard
Indian Orchard is a masonry dam located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, built in 1846. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Indian Orchard
The primary purpose of Indian Orchard 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 Springfield.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 452 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 74 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 689 square miles. Completed in 1846, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 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 09/20/2022.
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 | Hampden |
| Nearest City | Springfield |
| River/Stream | Chicopee River |
| Coordinates | 42.16190, -72.50280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 452 ft |
| Year Completed | 1846 (180 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 74 acres |
| Drainage Area | 689 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 71,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00722 |
| Federal ID | MA00722 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |