Lost Lake Dam

MARTIN'S POND BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1910· Concrete· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lost Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage2.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.5K acre-ft
Surface Area300 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDMA00808

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 20, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF GROTON, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lost Lake Dam?

Lost Lake 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 Lost Lake Dam?

Lost Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF GROTON, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lost Lake Dam built?

Lost Lake Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Lost Lake Dam?

Lost Lake 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 Lost Lake Dam?

Lost Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Lost Lake Dam last inspected?

Lost Lake Dam was last inspected on April 20, 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.