Allen Dam

NASHOBA BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1797· Gravity· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Allen Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1797 and is 229 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA)
Dam Length18 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage154 acre-ft
Normal Storage68 acre-ft
Drainage Area20 sq mi
Year Completed1797 (229 years old)
NID IDMA00127

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 25, 2009
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

ROBERT A. JOHNSON

Private

Nearby Dams

Damondale Dam

Middlesex, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Warners Pond Dam

Middlesex, MA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Nagog Pond Dam

Middlesex, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Musquetaquid Pond Dam (Upper)

Middlesex, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Barretts Mill Road Dam

Middlesex, MA

Low Hazard 9 ft

Assabet

Middlesex, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Erikson Dam

Middlesex, MA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Estabrook Farm Pond Dam

Middlesex, MA

Low Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Allen Dam?

Allen Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Allen Dam?

Allen Dam is owned by ROBERT A. JOHNSON (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Allen Dam built?

Allen Dam was completed in 1797, making it 229 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Allen Dam?

Allen Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Allen Dam?

Allen Dam has a dam height of 15 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Allen Dam last inspected?

Allen Dam was last inspected on June 25, 2009. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.