Dark Brook Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 288 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00198 |
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
AUBURN WATER DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Dark Brook Reservoir Dike A
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftUpper Stoneville Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 27 ftEddy Pond Dam
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High Hazard 29 ftLower Stoneville Pond Dam
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High Hazard 15 ftPondville Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftWorcester Diversion Levee System
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Significant Hazard 20 ftLeesville Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftDuffy Mill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dark Brook Reservoir Dam?
Dark Brook Reservoir 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 Dark Brook Reservoir Dam?
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam is owned by AUBURN WATER DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dark Brook Reservoir Dam built?
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Dark Brook Reservoir Dam?
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Dark Brook Reservoir Dam?
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Dark Brook Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Dark Brook Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.