Wildwood Lake Dam

WEST RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1963· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wildwood Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 76.3% in MA)
Dam Length430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage460 acre-ft
Normal Storage190 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDMA00667

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: December 7, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF UPTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wildwood Lake Dam?

Wildwood Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wildwood Lake Dam?

Wildwood Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF UPTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wildwood Lake Dam built?

Wildwood Lake Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Wildwood Lake Dam?

Wildwood Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wildwood Lake Dam?

Wildwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Wildwood Lake Dam last inspected?

Wildwood Lake Dam was last inspected on December 7, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.