Lester G. Ross Dam
Key Takeaway
Lester G. Ross Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 44 ft (taller than 94.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 5,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 28 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01229 |
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
Nearby Dams
Brewer Brook Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 25 ftWheeler Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftBarefoot Brook Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftGates Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 21 ftWachusett Reservoir South Dike
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 45 ftLancaster Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 26 ftWachusett Reservoir Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 114 ftTyler Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lester G. Ross Dam?
Lester G. Ross 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 Lester G. Ross Dam?
Lester G. Ross 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 Lester G. Ross Dam built?
Lester G. Ross Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Lester G. Ross Dam?
Lester G. Ross Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Lester G. Ross Dam?
Lester G. Ross Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Lester G. Ross Dam last inspected?
Lester G. Ross Dam was last inspected on June 4, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.