Lower Naukeag Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Lower Naukeag Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 830 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 285 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00002 |
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 ASHBURNHAM, WATER DEPARTMENT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sunset Lake Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftLake Watatic Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 20 ftUpper Naukeag Lake Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftRed Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 15 ftLake Monomonac Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 16 ftWhites Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 13 ftWallace Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftLake Wampanoag Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Naukeag Lake Dam?
Lower Naukeag 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 Lower Naukeag Lake Dam?
Lower Naukeag Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF ASHBURNHAM, WATER DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Naukeag Lake Dam built?
Lower Naukeag Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Lower Naukeag Lake Dam?
Lower Naukeag 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 Lower Naukeag Lake Dam?
Lower Naukeag Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Lower Naukeag Lake Dam last inspected?
Lower Naukeag Lake Dam was last inspected on January 29, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.