Glen Echo Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Glen Echo Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 30 ft (taller than 86.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 255 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 820 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 125 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00101 |
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
TOWN OF CHARLTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Glen Echo Lake Dam?
Glen Echo 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 Glen Echo Lake Dam?
Glen Echo Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF CHARLTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Glen Echo Lake Dam built?
Glen Echo Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Glen Echo Lake Dam?
Glen Echo Lake 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 Glen Echo Lake Dam?
Glen Echo Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Glen Echo Lake Dam last inspected?
Glen Echo Lake Dam was last inspected on March 1, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.