Bird Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Bird Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 435 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 185 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 113 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Drainage Area | 25 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00804 |
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
Abandoned - Last Known Owner - Lloyd Marded
Private
Nearby Dams
Hollingsworth & Vose Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftPlimpton Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 19 ftEllis Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 17 ftWillett Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 25 ftCobbs Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 12 ftDiamond Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftAllen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 21 ftMemorial Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bird Pond Dam?
Bird 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 Bird Pond Dam?
Bird Pond Dam is owned by Abandoned - Last Known Owner - Lloyd Marded (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bird Pond Dam built?
Bird Pond Dam was completed in 1906, making it 120 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 Bird Pond Dam?
Bird Pond 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 Bird Pond Dam?
Bird Pond Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Bird Pond Dam last inspected?
Bird Pond Dam was last inspected on July 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.