Burnshirt River Dam

BURNSHIRT RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Masonry· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond State Government

Key Takeaway

Burnshirt River Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage267 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
NID IDMA02566

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 24, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DFG - DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Burnshirt River Dam?

Burnshirt River Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Burnshirt River Dam?

Burnshirt River Dam is owned by DFG - DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Burnshirt River Dam?

Burnshirt River Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Burnshirt River Dam?

Burnshirt River Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Burnshirt River Dam last inspected?

Burnshirt River Dam was last inspected on June 24, 2016. 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.