Moose Hill Reservoir Dam
Moose Hill Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1980. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Moose Hill Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Moose Hill Reservoir Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Shaw Brook near Spencer.
The dam stands 71 feet tall and stretches 2,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 50 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1980, the structure is 46 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/08/2023.
At 71 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
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 | Spencer |
| River/Stream | Shaw Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.27169, -71.95904 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 71 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,800 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 158 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/08/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA02583 |
| Federal ID | MA02583 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |