Introduction | Water Levels | Dam Facts | Weather History | Reservoir Regulation

INTRODUCTION

Tully Lake is located on the East Branch of the Tully River in Royalston, Massachusetts, and is a part of a network of flood damage reduction dams on tributaries of the Connecticut River. Constructed between 1947 and 1949 at a cost of $1.6 million, it was first operated during the New Year's Flood of 1949 before it was completed. It's function is to reduce flood stages in Athol, Orange and other communities along the Millers River, and in conjuction with other Corps dams reduce flood stages along the Connecticut River.

The Reservoir Regulation Team (RRT), located at the Corps' New England District Headquarters in Concord, MA, is the "nerve center" for all Corps-operated dams in New England. Using radio and satellite communications, RRT constantly monitors river levels and weather conditions and directs the operation of the dams during high flows.

In April 1987, two storms dropped about 6 inches of rain, raising the water level to over 35 feet at the dam, utilizing 62% of the storage capacity. It is estimated that Tully Lake prevented over $3 million in damages to downstream property from this one storm.

As of fiscal year 2007, Tully Dam has prevented an estimated $25.6 million in cumulative flood damages over the life of the dam.