Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1848 and is 178 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 86.6% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 325 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1848 (178 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00449 |
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
City of Marlborough, DPW
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 17 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Fort Meadow Reservoir 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 Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam is owned by City of Marlborough, DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam built?
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam was completed in 1848, making it 178 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 Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Fort Meadow Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 7, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.