The Challenge
The projected increased frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events as well as sea-level rise motivated this project. Without further interventions, increased precipitation events could increase the frequency and severity of dam overtopping and risk of dam failure. Along the coast, sea level rise could reduce the effectiveness of some dams in coastal regions used to prevent tidal backflow and storm surge.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
This project addresses the following 2023 ResilientMass Plan and 2022 MA Climate Assessment Priority Impact: Increased Risk of Dam Overtopping or Failure in the Infrastructure sector.
The project also aligns with the following 2023 ResilientMass Plan goals:
- Science-based and Informed Decision-Making
- Resilient State Assets and Services
- Implement Adaptation Actions for Communities and Ecosystems
- Resilient and Equitable Infrastructure, Ecosystems, and Communities
Climate Resilience Project Scope
The project’s goal is to develop a screening-level, risk-based, decision-making methodology to prioritize the portfolio of DCR-Office of Dam Safety’s eligible high hazard potential dams that are reported to be in poor or unsafe condition for repair or removal in order to mitigate risk and abate public safety threats associated with these dams. This project started in 2022, and the methodology was completed in FY24. In FY25 DCR started implementing the findings from the application of the methodology.
Metrics and Results
The following activities took place in FY25: Office of Dam Safety prepared Emergency Action Plan flood models for three specific high hazard potential dams including Ashland Reservoir Dam in Ashland, Braintree Dam in Braintree, and Thousand Acre Lake Dam in New Marlborough. The flood modelling for the aforementioned three high hazard potential dams incorporated updated rainfall predictions.
Further Action
In the years to come DCR Office of Dam Safety will continue to make use of the developed methodology to advance work on high hazard potential dams.