Hop Brook Dam, also known as the A-3c Site, is a state-owned structure located in Northborough, Massachusetts.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 410 feet along the Hop Brook river. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits including fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2016 deemed it satisfactory. With a drainage area of 4.9 square miles, the dam has a storage capacity of 1,928 acre-feet and serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the region.
Although the dam's spillway is uncontrolled, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 hazard. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully developed and implemented, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this critical flood control structure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
410 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
HOP BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
4.9 |
Nid Storage |
1928 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |