Delaney Complex Dam

Delaney Complex Dam is an earth dam located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Delaney Complex Dam

The primary purpose of Delaney Complex 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 Elizabeth Brook near Stow.

The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 163 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,980 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/05/2022.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMassachusetts
CountyMiddlesex
Nearest CityStow
River/StreamElizabeth Brook
Coordinates42.44795, -71.54700

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height22 ft
Dam Length2,400 ft
Year Completed1967 (59 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,980 acre-ft
Max Storage3,980 acre-ft
Normal Storage425 acre-ft
Surface Area163 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge140 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerMA Department of Conservation & Recreation
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/05/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMA01193
Federal IDMA01193
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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