Powder Mill
Powder Mill is a gravity dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1908. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Powder Mill
The primary purpose of Powder Mill is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by South Barre Hydro Electric Company (private). It impounds the Ware River near South Barre.
The dam stands 10 feet tall and stretches 340 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 52 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 336 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 99 square miles. Completed in 1908, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/02/2022.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | South Barre |
| River/Stream | Ware River |
| Coordinates | 42.39010, -72.07920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 336 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 336 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 336 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 99 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | South Barre Hydro Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00092 |
| Federal ID | MA00092 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |