West Medway Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Medway Park Dam Sanford Mill Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
West Medway Dam, located in Medway, Massachusetts, serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along the Charles River.
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Summary
Built in 1850, this dam stands at a height of 11 feet and has a hydraulic height of 10 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is deemed to have a low hazard potential but an unsatisfactory condition assessment, requiring further inspection and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in managing flood risks in the region.
Managed by a private owner, West Medway Dam is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to uphold safety standards. The dam is primarily classified as a gravity dam, with buttress core types and an uncontrolled spillway type. Although the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor its risk assessments and management measures, given its moderate risk rating and the potential impact on the surrounding communities in the event of a failure.
As a vital infrastructure within the New England District, West Medway Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the Norfolk County area. With a designated emergency action plan yet to be prepared, stakeholders must prioritize regular inspections, maintenance, and risk assessments to ensure the dam's reliability and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and potential natural disasters. Monitoring the dam's condition and implementing necessary risk management measures will be essential to safeguarding the local ecosystem and communities dependent on the Charles River for water resources and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1850 |
Dam Length |
80 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
20 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Charles River At Medway
|
44cfs |
West River Below West Hill Dam
|
1cfs |
Blackstone River At Woonsocket
|
390cfs |
Charles River At Dover
|
131cfs |
Blackstone River At Northbridge
|
1240cfs |
Neponset River At Norwood
|
10cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
West Medway Dam
Ashland State Park Boat Launch