Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 | 40 ft (taller than 92.4% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 826 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 6.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 275 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01020 |
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 FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 51 ftNoyes Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftLovewell Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 12 ftCross Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftEllis Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 7 ftMinott Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Mare 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 Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF FITCHBURG, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam built?
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam 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 Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam?
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Mare Meadow Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 27, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.