Ashmere Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Ashmere Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 34 ft (taller than 90% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1875 (151 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00223 |
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
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
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Low Hazard 11 ftByron Weston Dam No. 1
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Significant Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ashmere Lake Dam?
Ashmere Lake 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 Ashmere Lake Dam?
Ashmere Lake Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ashmere Lake Dam built?
Ashmere Lake Dam was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Ashmere Lake Dam?
Ashmere Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ashmere Lake Dam?
Ashmere Lake Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Ashmere Lake Dam last inspected?
Ashmere Lake Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.