Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway
Key Takeaway
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA) |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 29 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 211 sq mi |
| NID ID | MA02979 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
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
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Middlesex, MA
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Significant Hazard 11 ftRosemary Lake Dam
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High Hazard 12 ftNewton Lower Falls Dam
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Significant Hazard 9 ftBulloughs Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway?
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway?
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
What is the primary purpose of Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway?
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway?
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway has a dam height of 15 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 Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway last inspected?
Metro Circ Dam, Hemlock Gorge Spillway was last inspected on November 19, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.