Fells Reservoir Dam - #8
Key Takeaway
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2010 and is 16 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 48 ft (taller than 95% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 150 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 85 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 2010 (16 years old) |
| NID ID | MA03310 |
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
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fells Reservoir Dam - #8?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 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 Fells Reservoir Dam - #8?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 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 Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 built?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 was completed in 2010, making it 16 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 Fells Reservoir Dam - #8?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fells Reservoir Dam - #8?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 has a dam height of 48 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 Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 last inspected?
Fells Reservoir Dam - #8 was last inspected on September 23, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.