Lexington Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Located in Lexington, Massachusetts, the Lexington Reservoir Dam is a gravity dam built in 1900 for recreation purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 10.5 feet and a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet, the dam sits on a tributary of the Aberjona River, providing a surface area of 5.5 acres for outdoor activities. Despite its historical significance, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, prompting regular inspections every five years.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Lexington Reservoir Dam is regulated by the state of Massachusetts, ensuring proper inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes are in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a drainage area of 0.14 square miles. Although the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, the condition assessment indicates the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures to ensure public safety and the preservation of the recreational area surrounding the dam.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Lexington Reservoir Dam can explore its historical significance and current condition to understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management in the region. With a focus on recreation, the dam serves as a vital resource for outdoor activities while also highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue, the Lexington Reservoir Dam provides a practical example of the intersection between infrastructure, conservation, and public safety in the face of environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
10.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF ABERJONA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lexington Reservoir Dam
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