Lake Cochituate Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Cochituate Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 579 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00740 |
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
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What is the hazard classification of Lake Cochituate Dam?
Lake Cochituate 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 Lake Cochituate Dam?
Lake Cochituate 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 Lake Cochituate Dam built?
Lake Cochituate Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Lake Cochituate Dam?
Lake Cochituate 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 Lake Cochituate Dam?
Lake Cochituate Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Lake Cochituate Dam last inspected?
Lake Cochituate Dam was last inspected on June 10, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.