Waldo Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Waldo Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 750 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 284 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00426 |
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
CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Waldo Lake Dam?
Waldo 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 Waldo Lake Dam?
Waldo Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Waldo Lake Dam built?
Waldo Lake Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Waldo Lake Dam?
Waldo 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 Waldo Lake Dam?
Waldo Lake Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Waldo Lake Dam last inspected?
Waldo Lake Dam was last inspected on June 13, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.