Moody Street Dam
Key Takeaway
Moody Street Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1847 and is 179 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 | 22 ft (taller than 73.7% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 170 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 251 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1847 (179 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00345 |
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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Significant Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Moody Street Dam?
Moody Street 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 Moody Street Dam?
Moody Street 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 Moody Street Dam built?
Moody Street Dam was completed in 1847, making it 179 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 Moody Street Dam?
Moody Street Dam 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 Moody Street Dam?
Moody Street Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Moody Street Dam last inspected?
Moody Street Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.