Braintree Dam
Key Takeaway
Braintree Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 37 ft (taller than 91.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 666 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 2003 (23 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00827 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
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
Nearby Dams
Armstrong Pond Dam
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High Hazard 20 ftGreat Pond Dam
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High Hazard 10 ftGreat Pond Upper Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 18 ftBlue Hills Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 36 ftSmelt Brook Dam
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High Hazard 15 ftWeymouth Great Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 9 ftLake Holbrook Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftNeponset River Dam - Lower Mills
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Braintree Dam?
Braintree Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Braintree Dam?
Braintree 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 Braintree Dam built?
Braintree Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 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 Braintree Dam?
Braintree Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Braintree Dam?
Braintree Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Braintree Dam last inspected?
Braintree Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.