Ben Smith Dam
Key Takeaway
Ben Smith Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 170 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 760 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 760 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
| Drainage Area | 115 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00752 |
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
ARTEMIS REAL ESTATE PARTNERS
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Ben Smith Dam?
Ben Smith 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 Ben Smith Dam?
Ben Smith Dam is owned by ARTEMIS REAL ESTATE PARTNERS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ben Smith Dam built?
Ben Smith Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Ben Smith Dam?
Ben Smith Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ben Smith Dam?
Ben Smith Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Ben Smith Dam last inspected?
Ben Smith Dam was last inspected on September 21, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.