Ware River Diversion Dam
Ware River Diversion Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1910. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ware River Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of Ware River Diversion 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 Ware River near Barre.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 95 square miles. Completed in 1910, the structure is over a century old.
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 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 10/28/2020.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Barre |
| River/Stream | Ware River |
| Coordinates | 42.39047, -72.06022 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 375 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 95 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,323 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/28/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00093 |
| Federal ID | MA00093 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |