West Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
West Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 | 25 ft (taller than 79.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 920 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 480 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00288 |
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
Abbey Lake Dam
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High Hazard 40 ftMorley Swamp Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftAtwater Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 12 ftStedman Marsh Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftHarnett Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 14 ftYork Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 23 ftBauer Dam
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Low Hazard 7 ftGuilder Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of West Lake Dam?
West 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 West Lake Dam?
West 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 West Lake Dam built?
West Lake Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 West Lake Dam?
West 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 West Lake Dam?
West Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 West Lake Dam last inspected?
West Lake Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.