Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
The Constance M.
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Summary
Fiske Flood Retarding Dam, located in Framingham, Massachusetts, was completed in 1984 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a vital structure for flood risk reduction along Baiting Brook. This earth dam, with a height of 28 feet and a hydraulic height of 2 feet, plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam also serves multiple purposes, including supporting fish and wildlife habitats, recreation opportunities, and flood risk reduction activities.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, the Constance M. Fiske Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and effectiveness. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. Despite its critical role in mitigating flood risks, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 0 and covers a surface area of 62 acres, making it an essential part of the water resource infrastructure in Middlesex County.
As a state-regulated structure with state permitting and enforcement in place, the Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts. With its strategic location and design by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
2910 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
BAITING BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
62 |
Hydraulic Height |
2 |
Drainage Area |
1.6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Constance M. Fiske Flood Retarding Dam
Lakeview Avenue 98, Framingham