Clam Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Clam Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 | 94 ft (taller than 99% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01052 |
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
Nearby Dams
Lower Spectacle Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 11 ftUpper Spectacle Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 23 ftNorth Silver Lake Dam
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High Hazard 76 ftAbbey Lake Dam
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High Hazard 40 ftOtis Woodlands Club Dam
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Significant Hazard 22 ftOtis Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 32 ftAtwater Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 12 ftWest Lake Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Clam Lake Dam?
Clam 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 Clam Lake Dam?
Clam 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 Clam Lake Dam built?
Clam Lake Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Clam Lake Dam?
Clam Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Clam Lake Dam?
Clam Lake Dam has a dam height of 94 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 Clam Lake Dam last inspected?
Clam Lake Dam was last inspected on March 6, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.