The dam was constructed of cement and metal gates in 2013. In 2022 the District added the required stop logs, which consist of two sets of aluminum logs. Each set is made up with a 3-foot by 4-foot lower log and then three 1-foot by 4-foot sections above. These three upper sections allow for possible incremental drawdowns.

Water flows over the primary spillway when the lake is above elevation 103 (feet). There are two small holes in this spillway that allow a little water to flow out consistently to maintain the wetlands beyond the dam.

The District is required by DCR to address three components in regard to the dam: an Emergency Action Plan (updated every five years by a consultant), Operation & Maintenance Manual (updated as needed), and Annual Inspections. This ensures that the information is accurate, in particular the list of personnel who must be notified in case of an issue. The Plan is reviewed and subsequently accepted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation, Office of Dam Safety.

To implement a drawdown the District must file a Notice of Intent to obtain permission from the Becket Conservation Commission (BCC) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Drawdowns must start no earlier than November 1 of any year and be completed within 30 days. It appears that the DEP permits only a 2-3 foot drawdown during that timeframe.

To complete a drawdown stop logs are removed either at the north or south side dam gate. There is a calculation of how much water can be removed per day during the drawdown process, requiring monitoring by an engineer or other experienced dam expert.

The DEP is currently involved in preparing drawdown standards to serve as a guideline to lake districts wishing to conduct a drawdown. There is no guarantee the DEP will allow drawdowns going forward.