The New Charles River Dam in Boston, Massachusetts, stands as a crucial structure designed to reduce flood risk along the Charles River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1978, this concrete gravity dam plays a significant role in flood risk reduction, navigation, and recreation in the area. With a dam height of 36 feet and a hydraulic height of 30 feet, the New Charles River Dam ensures the safety and protection of the surrounding communities.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to uphold its structural integrity and functionality. With a storage capacity of 7,820 acre-feet and a drainage area of 313 square miles, the dam contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in the region. Despite its significant hazard potential, the New Charles River Dam maintains a satisfactory condition assessment, ensuring its reliability in safeguarding the area against potential flooding events.
Located in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, the New Charles River Dam not only serves as a vital flood control structure but also offers opportunities for recreational activities along the Charles River. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the importance of such infrastructure for flood risk reduction and water management becomes increasingly apparent. The New Charles River Dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to protect communities and natural resources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
705 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
313 |
Nid Storage |
7820 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Aberjona River At Winchester
|
12cfs |
Neponset River At Milton Village
|
465cfs |
Saugus R At Saugus Iron Works At Saugus
|
6cfs |
Charles River At Waltham
|
100cfs |
Charles River At Wellesley
|
102cfs |
Mother Brook At Dedham
|
37cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
YMCA Camp
|
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Spang Camp Site
|
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Ponkapoag Camp of Appalachian Mountain Club
|
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Missionary Point
|