Irish Dam
Irish Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Irish Dam
The primary purpose of Irish Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Quinsigamond River near Grafton.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 430 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 272 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24 square miles.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/06/2021.
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 | Grafton |
| River/Stream | Quinsigamond River |
| Coordinates | 42.24107, -71.72097 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 430 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 272 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,832 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/06/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00580 |
| Federal ID | MA00580 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |