SHUTESBURY, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The town of Shutesbury has taken emergency measures to address structural concerns, such as the presence of sinkholes, identified at the Lake Wyola Dam.
The water level has been lowered so emergency work can begin on the dam and public access is being restricted from the area.
From Shutesbury Town Officials:
Lake Wyola Water Level Adjustment and Stabilization Efforts
The Town of Shutesbury is initiating a necessary, controlled adjustment of the Lake Wyola water level to address structural concerns identified at the dam. This process is being executed proactively and in close partnership with state regulators and engineering experts to ensure the long-term stability and integrity of the structure.
The Town, under the direction of Town Administrator Hayley Bolton and Emergency Management Director Leonard Czerwonka, is working in full coordination with the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety and GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA), a firm specializing in dam engineering.
Stabilization and Engineering Action
- Assessment Findings: During recent maintenance on Friday, November 28, 2025, certain conditions, including the presence of sinkholes, were observed near the dam structure. Following a professional engineering review, the dam’s technical classification was updated to reflect the immediate need for stabilization and remedial work.
- Controlled Water Level Adjustment: To allow engineers safe access and to reduce pressure on the structure while assessments continue, the Town received authorization from MA Fisheries and Wildlife to adjust the water level. This involves a gradual, measured reduction to a total drop of 5 feet, which is necessary to stabilize conditions.
- Next Steps: GZA is prioritizing the project to provide a comprehensive engineering assessment and is assisting the Town with grant applications to secure funding. Emergency work will begin once the drawdown is complete, with the professional focus being on stabilizing the condition of the structure and initiating its full return to a satisfactory classification.
Community Safety Measures
The Town has implemented key, temporary safety measures to support this essential work:
- Dam Access Restriction: Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the public and to create a secure work area, public access to the immediate dam area has been restricted with fencing and signage, effective December 10th.
- Fire Safety Continuity: The temporary lake level adjustment requires us to secure alternative water sources for fire protection. We have successfully coordinated a plan with our mutual aid communities to robust fire safety capacity via tanker trucks during this period. The engineering repair plan includes provisions to fully restore the Lake’s water level and firefighting readiness.
We encourage the public to visit the Town’s website for ongoing updates and to view the recent Emergency Management Meeting https://youtu.be/T9QNZMAAQEY.
