West Street Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
West Street Dam, located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure on the Cocasset River primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
With a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 26 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 15 acre-feet. While the dam's primary purpose is recreation, it also serves as a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance.
Despite its poor condition, West Street Dam continues to be regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a surface area of 5.02 acres and a drainage area of 4.7 square miles. Although the dam poses a moderate risk, efforts to manage and mitigate potential hazards are essential to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the Cocasset River ecosystem. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find West Street Dam to be a critical structure in need of ongoing attention and conservation efforts to maintain its functionality and safety.
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
COCASSET RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.02 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
4.7 |
Nid Storage |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
West Street Dam