Winnekeag Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Winnekeag Lake Dam, located in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1878, this masonry dam stands at a height of 20.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14.7 feet. With a storage capacity of 1,284 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.32 square miles, Winnekeag Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam, situated on Phillips Brook, is under the regulatory oversight of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential with fair condition assessment, the dam is inspected every two years to ensure its safety and functionality. As a part of the risk management plan, the dam has moderate risk assessment and has an emergency action plan in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Winnekeag Lake Dam to be a fascinating structure due to its historical significance, recreational importance, and its role in water management in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The dam's design, storage capacity, and regulatory framework make it a noteworthy site for those interested in understanding the intersection of infrastructure, nature, and public safety.

Year Completed

1878

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

20.7

River Or Stream

PHILLIPS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

118

Hydraulic Height

14.7

Drainage Area

2.32

Nid Storage

1284

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.