Upper Highland Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Highland Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1872 and is 154 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 27 ft (taller than 82.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 829 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 568 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 54 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1872 (154 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00058 |
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
Nearby Dams
Upper Highland Lake Dike
Hampshire, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftLower Highland Lake Dam
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High Hazard 29 ftHammond Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftDamon Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 17 ftAshfield Pond Dam
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High Hazard 15 ftScout Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftUpper Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftUnquomonk Upper Reservoir Dam
Hampshire, MA
Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Highland Lake Dam?
Upper Highland 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 Upper Highland Lake Dam?
Upper Highland Lake 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 Upper Highland Lake Dam built?
Upper Highland Lake Dam was completed in 1872, making it 154 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 Upper Highland Lake Dam?
Upper Highland Lake Dam serves the following purposes: 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 Upper Highland Lake Dam?
Upper Highland Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Upper Highland Lake Dam last inspected?
Upper Highland Lake Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.