Artichoke River Dam
Key Takeaway
Artichoke River Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is other.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 176 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 79 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01600 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
RICHARD E. AND JUDITH B. WELCH III
Private
Nearby Dams
Lower Artichoke Reservoir Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftUpper Artichoke Reservoir Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftBailey Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftMill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftWalker Farm Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftIndian Hill Reservoir Dam&Dikes
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Low Hazard 30 ftLake Gardner Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftLake Attitash Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Artichoke River Dam?
Artichoke River Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Artichoke River Dam?
Artichoke River Dam is owned by RICHARD E. AND JUDITH B. WELCH III (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Artichoke River Dam built?
Artichoke River Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Artichoke River Dam?
Artichoke River Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Artichoke River Dam?
Artichoke River Dam has a dam height of 15 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Artichoke River Dam last inspected?
Artichoke River Dam was last inspected on May 28, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.