The Lake Watatic Dam in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, serves as a key recreational resource in the area, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 820 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 1500 acre-feet. The dam is located on an unnamed tributary of the Millers River and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.
With a hazard potential rated as significant and a condition assessment of fair, the Lake Watatic Dam is closely monitored and inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates or associated locks. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lake Watatic Dam to be an intriguing site to study and monitor. Its unique design as an earth dam with buttress core types, along with its recreational purpose and significant storage capacity, make it a valuable asset in the region. With its location on a tributary of the Millers River and its regulation by the state, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY OF MILLERS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
150 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
6.1 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |