Lake Garfield Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Garfield Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 | 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 936 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 270 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00249 |
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 MONTEREY, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
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Low Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Garfield Dam?
Lake Garfield 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 Garfield Dam?
Lake Garfield Dam is owned by TOWN OF MONTEREY, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Garfield Dam built?
Lake Garfield Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Garfield Dam?
Lake Garfield 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 Lake Garfield Dam?
Lake Garfield Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Garfield Dam last inspected?
Lake Garfield Dam was last inspected on June 14, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.