Irish Dam

QUINSIGAMOND RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Irish Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA)
Dam Length430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage950 acre-ft
Surface Area272 acres
Drainage Area24 sq mi
NID IDMA00580

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 10, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Hovey Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 23 ft

Windle Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Pratts Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 12 ft

Hayes Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Stringer Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Dorothy Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Lake Ripple Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Farm Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Irish Dam?

Irish 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 Irish Dam?

Irish Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Irish Dam?

Irish 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 Irish Dam?

Irish Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Irish Dam last inspected?

Irish Dam was last inspected on June 10, 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.