Metro Circ Dam, located at Hemlock Gorge Spillway in Newton, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated concrete dam along the Charles River with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 15 feet with a hydraulic height of 9.5 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet, the dam also serves recreational purposes in addition to its flood control functions.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Metro Circ Dam has a significant hazard potential and is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its age and moderate risk level, the dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection date in November 2012. With a drainage area of 211 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region and helps mitigate the risk of downstream flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
While Metro Circ Dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and a spillway width of 0 feet, it continues to effectively reduce flood risks and provide recreational opportunities for the community. With its buttress core type and gravity design, the dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region. As climate change continues to impact water systems, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for both flood control and environmental conservation efforts in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
CHARLES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Hydraulic Height |
9.5 |
Drainage Area |
211 |
Nid Storage |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Charles River At Wellesley
|
102cfs |
Stony Brook Reservoir At Dam Near Waltham
|
0cfs |
Charles River At Waltham
|
100cfs |
Stony Brook At Rt 20 At Waltham
|
13cfs |
Charles River At Dover
|
131cfs |
Mother Brook At Dedham
|
37cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Minha casa
|
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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
|