Cedar Street Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ashland Reservoir Dam Mill Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Cedar Street Dam, located in Ashland, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes on the Sudbury River.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 7 feet, provides a storage capacity of 11.72 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area. Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure public safety and compliance with state regulations.
The dam, constructed with an earth core and buttress design, spans 250 feet in length and covers a surface area of 1.35 acres. With a drainage area of 0.48 square miles, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type and moderate risk assessment highlight the need for proper risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Although the last inspection was conducted in 2012, the dam is subject to regular inspections every five years to assess its condition and ensure its structural integrity for continued recreational use and water resource management.
As a vital part of the local water infrastructure, Cedar Street Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities while managing water resources in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. With a storage capacity of 11.72 acre-feet and a normal storage of 8.81 acre-feet, the dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. By adhering to state regulations, conducting regular inspections, and implementing risk management measures, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation while prioritizing public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of climate change challenges.
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SUDBURY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.35 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
0.48 |
Nid Storage |
11.72 |
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.
Cedar Street Dam
Ashland State Park Boat Launch