Tremont Waste Gates Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Tremont Waste Gates is a historic stone dam located in Lowell, Massachusetts, completed in 1848 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

This Federal-owned structure serves multiple functions, including fire protection, stock pond, flood risk reduction, navigation, and recreation. With a dam height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 15 feet, Tremont Waste Gates has a capacity of 4500 acre-feet and a surface area of 720 acres.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Tremont Waste Gates is inspected every 3 years due to its low hazard potential. While the condition assessment is not available, the risk assessment is rated as high, indicating the importance of effective risk management measures. Despite not having a spillway, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management, showcasing the intersection of historical infrastructure and modern climate resilience efforts in New England.

Tremont Waste Gates is a key component of the Western and Northern Canal, contributing to the rich history and diverse purposes of water resource infrastructure in the region. With the support of federal agencies, including inspection and regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this stone dam continues to play a vital role in maintaining water levels, supporting wildlife habitats, and providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Year Completed

1848

Dam Length

20

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Western and Northern Canal

Primary Dam Type

Stone

Surface Area

720

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

4500

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.