Quequechan Control Structure
Quequechan Control Structure is a dam located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Quequechan Control Structure
The primary purpose of Quequechan Control Structure 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 City Of Fall River (local government). It impounds the Quequechan River near Fall River.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 20 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,460 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 27,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 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 11/29/2023.
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 | Bristol |
| Nearest City | Fall River |
| River/Stream | Quequechan River |
| Coordinates | 41.69631, -71.14858 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 20 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 27,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 27,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 16,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,460 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 580 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | City of Fall River |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/29/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA02548 |
| Federal ID | MA02548 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |