Barre Falls Dam
Key Takeaway
Barre Falls Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 69 ft (taller than 97.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 885 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 63.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00962 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barre Falls Dam?
Barre Falls 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 Barre Falls Dam?
Barre Falls Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barre Falls Dam built?
Barre Falls Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Barre Falls Dam?
Barre Falls 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 Barre Falls Dam?
Barre Falls Dam has a dam height of 69 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 Barre Falls Dam last inspected?
Barre Falls Dam was last inspected on June 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.