Queen Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY OF BURNSHIRT RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1824· Earth· 7 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Queen Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1824 and is 202 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 2.3% in MA)
Dam Length14 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage927 acre-ft
Surface Area142 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1824 (202 years old)
NID IDMA00648

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: May 10, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF PHILLIPSTON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Queen Lake Dam?

Queen Lake 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 Queen Lake Dam?

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

When was Queen Lake Dam built?

Queen Lake Dam was completed in 1824, making it 202 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 Queen Lake Dam?

Queen 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 Queen Lake Dam?

Queen Lake Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Queen Lake Dam last inspected?

Queen Lake Dam was last inspected on May 10, 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.