Overlook Reservoir Dam
Overlook Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1871. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Overlook Reservoir Dam
Overlook Reservoir Dam is a dam in Worcester, Massachusetts. The dam is owned by City Of Fitchburg (local government). It impounds the Overlook Brook, Tributary Of North Nashua River near Fitchburg.
The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 430 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 152 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1871, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/06/2023.
At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% of dams nationwide.
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 | Fitchburg |
| River/Stream | Overlook Brook, Tributary Of North Nashua River |
| Coordinates | 42.59434, -71.81652 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 41 ft |
| Dam Length | 430 ft |
| Year Completed | 1871 (155 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 152 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 152 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 131 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Owner | City of Fitchburg |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 09/06/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00876 |
| Federal ID | MA00876 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |