Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam

BAITING BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1984· Earth· 28 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 28 ft (taller than 84.2% in MA)
Dam Length2,910 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area62 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1984 (42 years old)
NID IDMA03249

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 21, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding 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 Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding 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 Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam built?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam was completed in 1984, making it 42 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 Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, 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 Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam last inspected?

Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam was last inspected on February 21, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.