Lake Warner Dam

MILL RIVER· Hampshire, Massachusetts· Built 1918· Masonry· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Warner Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length82 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage485 acre-ft
Normal Storage205 acre-ft
Surface Area68 acres
Drainage Area32 sq mi
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDMA00062

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: October 20, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

FRIENDS OF LAKE WARNER & THE MILL RIVER, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Warner Dam?

Lake Warner 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 Lake Warner Dam?

Lake Warner Dam is owned by FRIENDS OF LAKE WARNER & THE MILL RIVER, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Warner Dam built?

Lake Warner Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Warner Dam?

Lake Warner 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 Warner Dam?

Lake Warner Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Warner Dam last inspected?

Lake Warner Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2017. 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.