Westville Dam
Key Takeaway
Westville Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 72 ft (taller than 98% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 24.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 100 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00972 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
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Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Westville Dam?
Westville 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 Westville Dam?
Westville Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Westville Dam built?
Westville Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Westville Dam?
Westville Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Westville Dam?
Westville Dam has a dam height of 72 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 Westville Dam last inspected?
Westville Dam was last inspected on June 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.