Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam is an earth dam located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, built in 1971. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
The primary purpose of Black Brook Pl-566 Flood Control 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 Town Of Russell (local government). It impounds the Black Brook near Blandford.
The dam stands 60 feet tall and stretches 1,170 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,620 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1971, 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 11/14/2023.
At 60 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 | Hampden |
| Nearest City | Blandford |
| River/Stream | Black Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.20952, -72.88825 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,620 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,620 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 220 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Town of Russell |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/14/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA01057 |
| Federal ID | MA01057 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |