Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1
Key Takeaway
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 42 ft (taller than 93.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00782 |
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
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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 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 Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 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 Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 built?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 42 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 Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 last inspected?
Norumbega Reservoir Dam No. 1 was last inspected on September 9, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.