Rosemary Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Rosemary Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 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 | 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 440 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 108 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 64 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1830 (196 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01112 |
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 NEEDHAM, BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Wellesley Avenue Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftSilk Mill Dam
Middlesex, MA
Low Hazard 20 ftMetropolitan Circular Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 27 ftMetro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftCochran Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 13 ftWillow St. By-Pass Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftCordingly Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftNewton Lower Falls Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rosemary Lake Dam?
Rosemary 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 Rosemary Lake Dam?
Rosemary Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF NEEDHAM, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rosemary Lake Dam built?
Rosemary Lake Dam was completed in 1830, making it 196 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 Rosemary Lake Dam?
Rosemary Lake Dam 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 Rosemary Lake Dam?
Rosemary 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 Rosemary Lake Dam last inspected?
Rosemary Lake Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.