Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam
Key Takeaway
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 72.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 43 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | MA03210 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TOWN OF WALPOLE
Local Government
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High Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam is owned by TOWN OF WALPOLE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam built?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam last inspected?
Allen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam was last inspected on April 11, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.