Braintree Dam
Braintree Dam is an earth dam located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, built in 1888. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Braintree Dam
The primary purpose of Braintree Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Ma Department Of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Town Brook near Braintree.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 666 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 950 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1888, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/17/2024.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Norfolk |
| Nearest City | Braintree |
| River/Stream | Town Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.21954, -71.01516 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 666 ft |
| Year Completed | 1888 (138 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 73 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | MA Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/17/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00827 |
| Federal ID | MA00827 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |