Fife Brook
Fife Brook is a rockfill dam located in Franklin County, Massachusetts, built in 1974. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Fife Brook
The primary purpose of Fife Brook is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Deerfield River near Charlemont.
The dam stands 130 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 152 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 250 square miles. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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 09/13/2022.
At 130 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Charlemont |
| River/Stream | Deerfield River |
| Coordinates | 42.68530, -72.97640 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 130 ft |
| Dam Height | 130 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 152 acres |
| Drainage Area | 250 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 73,900 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00975 |
| Federal ID | MA00975 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |