Willow St. By-Pass Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cochran Dam Noannet Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
The Willow St.
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Summary
By-Pass Dam, located in Dover, Massachusetts, plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the Charles River. Owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this state-operated dam stands at 12 feet high with a hydraulic height of 9 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in March 2017.
With a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, the Willow St. By-Pass Dam serves as a vital structure in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is designed as a buttress dam. Although the dam's condition is concerning, its moderate risk assessment suggests that appropriate risk management measures need to be implemented to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the community from potential flood events. The safety and maintenance of this dam are essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support.
Dam Length |
50 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
4.25 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
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.
Minha casa
YMCA Camp
Spang Camp Site
Ponkapoag Camp of Appalachian Mountain Club
Missionary Point
"The Sandpits" Private Hiking and Winter Sports Area
Willow St. By-Pass Dam
College Road Wellesley