Metropolitan Circular Dam is a stone dam located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 27 ft27 ft tall and 80 ft long, taller than 59% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic rockfill embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Metropolitan Circular Dam
The primary purpose of Metropolitan Circular Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Ma Department of Conservation & Recreation (state). It impounds the Charles River near Wellesley.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 80 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 211 square miles.
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 05/14/2020.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Wellesley |
| River/Stream | Charles River |
| Coordinates | 42.31657, -71.22808 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 80 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 55 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 211 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,350 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Ma Department of Conservation & Recreation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/14/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA02589 |
| Federal ID | MA02589 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |