Rawson Hill Brook Dam

RAWSON HILL BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1963· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Rawson Hill Brook Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 56.3% in MA)
Dam Length252 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage480 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDMA00681

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: February 27, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rawson Hill Brook Dam?

Rawson Hill Brook 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 Rawson Hill Brook Dam?

Rawson Hill Brook 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 Rawson Hill Brook Dam built?

Rawson Hill Brook Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Rawson Hill Brook Dam?

Rawson Hill Brook 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 Rawson Hill Brook Dam?

Rawson Hill Brook Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Rawson Hill Brook Dam last inspected?

Rawson Hill Brook Dam was last inspected on February 27, 2017. 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.