Sugden Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sugden Reservoir |
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 Sugden Reservoir
Location in Massachusetts
Sugden Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Spencer, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°16′17″N 71°58′06″W / 42.27139°N 71.96833°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary outflows | 35 ft³/s (0.99 m³/s) |
| Catchment area | 18 mi² (46.62 km²) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 85.3 acres (34.5 ha) |
| Average depth | 11 ft (3.4 m) |
| Max. depth | 22 ft (6.7 m) |
| Shore length1 | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Surface elevation | 840 ft (256 m) MSL |
| Settlements | Spencer, Paxton |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Sugden Reservoir is a lake in Spencer, Massachusetts. It's a man-made lake, also called a reservoir, in the state of Massachusetts. Water from this reservoir flows into Shaw Brook, which then joins the Seven Mile River. All these waterways are part of the larger Chicopee River area.
A Look at History
The Sugden Reservoir was built a long time ago. It was created in 1882 by a man named Richard Sugden. He wanted to make a big pond to store water. This water was used to power factories in Spencer, Massachusetts.
These factories made wire. They needed the water's power to run their machines. The reservoir was built high up on a hill. This high spot helped the water flow with lots of energy. The reservoir was never used for drinking water. It was only for helping the factories work.
What It's Used For Today
Today, the Sugden Reservoir is a place for fun. People live in houses along its edges. It's a popular spot for recreation.
There is a small area near the dam where people can visit. But most of the land around the lake is private. The town of Spencer now owns the reservoir.
About the Dam
The dam at Sugden Reservoir is important. It holds back the water to create the lake. This dam is listed as a "High Hazard" dam in Massachusetts.
This name does not mean the dam is broken. It means that if the dam ever failed, it could cause a lot of damage. The reservoir is high up, and homes are in the valley below. So, if something went wrong, it could be very serious for the people living there. This is why it has that special classification.
Where It Is Located
The Sugden Reservoir is part of a bigger water system. Many small streams and creeks are in this area. They all connect to the Seven Mile River. This river then flows into the larger Chicopee River system. Sometimes, locals use different names for the same waterways. This can happen when the water flows through different properties.
