Greenwood Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Greenwood Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 626 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 361 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 128 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,009 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1854 (172 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00855 |
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
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
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Significant Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Greenwood Lake Dam?
Greenwood 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 Greenwood Lake Dam?
Greenwood Lake Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Greenwood Lake Dam built?
Greenwood Lake Dam was completed in 1854, making it 172 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 Greenwood Lake Dam?
Greenwood Lake Dam serves the following purposes: 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 Greenwood Lake Dam?
Greenwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Greenwood Lake Dam last inspected?
Greenwood Lake Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.