Bleachery Dam
Key Takeaway
Bleachery Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 115 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 262 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01110 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
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Significant Hazard 27 ftMetro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway
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Significant Hazard 15 ftCordingly Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bleachery Dam?
Bleachery Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bleachery Dam?
Bleachery Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bleachery Dam built?
Bleachery Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bleachery Dam?
Bleachery Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bleachery Dam?
Bleachery Dam has a dam height of 8 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bleachery Dam last inspected?
Bleachery Dam was last inspected on March 29, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.