Whitin Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitin Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 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 | 33 ft (taller than 89.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 335 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1854 (172 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00200 |
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
WHITIN RESERVOIR WATERSHED DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Manchaug Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
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High Hazard 30 ftWallis Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 16 ftUpper Tucker Pond South Dam
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Significant Hazard 22 ftDudley Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 5 ftUpper Tucker Pond East Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftMorse Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftSutton Falls Dam
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Significant Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitin Reservoir Dam?
Whitin Reservoir 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 Whitin Reservoir Dam?
Whitin Reservoir Dam is owned by WHITIN RESERVOIR WATERSHED DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitin Reservoir Dam built?
Whitin Reservoir Dam was completed in 1854, making it 172 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 Whitin Reservoir Dam?
Whitin Reservoir 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 Whitin Reservoir Dam?
Whitin Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Whitin Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Whitin Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.