Barre Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Barre Reservoir Dam, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a crucial structure along the Prince River.


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Summary

Completed in 1932, this Earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 29 acres and a capacity of 460 acre-feet for water storage. Despite its modest height of 15 feet, the dam's hydraulic height reaches 8 feet, contributing to a hazard potential rated as high.

Maintained by a private entity, Barre Reservoir Dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently rated as poor, it undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2018, indicating ongoing efforts to address potential safety concerns.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Barre Reservoir Dam stands out not only as a recreational asset but also as a critical infrastructure in the management of water resources. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts underscore the importance of sustainable dam management practices in safeguarding both human populations and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

PRINCE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

460

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.