Big Bearhole Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Bearhole Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 370 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00764 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Middle Pond Dam #1
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 19 ftMiddle Pond Dam #2
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftMiddle Pond Dam #3
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftMiddle Pond Dam #4
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftLake Rico Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 26 ftBarstowe's Pond
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftAssawompset Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftSouth Street Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Bearhole Pond Dam?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Big Bearhole Pond Dam?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Bearhole Pond Dam built?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Big Bearhole Pond Dam?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Bearhole Pond Dam?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Big Bearhole Pond Dam last inspected?
Big Bearhole Pond Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.