Windsor Reservoir Dam
Windsor Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1865. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Windsor Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Windsor Reservoir 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 Dalton Fire District (local government). It impounds the Housatonic River near Windsor.
The dam stands 51 feet tall and stretches 280 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 74 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,520 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1865, 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 05/31/2024.
At 51 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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 | Berkshire |
| Nearest City | Windsor |
| River/Stream | Housatonic River |
| Coordinates | 42.48840, -73.10988 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 51 ft |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,520 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,520 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 74 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,550 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Dalton Fire District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/31/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00841 |
| Federal ID | MA00841 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |