Fells Reservoir Dam - #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Fells Reservoir Dam - #2, located in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated earth dam with a primary purpose of water supply.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 2011, this dam stands at 12 feet high and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The reservoir created by the dam covers a surface area of 14 acres and drains an area of 0.04 square miles, making it a crucial source of water for the region.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment of Fells Reservoir Dam - #2 was deemed satisfactory during the last inspection in September 2016. The dam is equipped with a spillway type of "None" and has a high risk assessment rating. The state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the dam is the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the dam.

With its strategic location as a tributary to the Malden River and its vital role in water supply, Fells Reservoir Dam - #2 serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Enthusiasts in water resource and climate studies can appreciate the significance of this dam in providing essential water storage and supply for the surrounding area, while also recognizing the importance of ongoing risk management and regulatory oversight to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

290

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO MALDEN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.