Blue Hills Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Blue Hills Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 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 | 36 ft (taller than 91% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 206 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 138 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00826 |
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
Great Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 10 ftGreat Pond Upper Reservoir Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 18 ftBraintree Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 37 ftPine Tree Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 21 ftNeponset River Dam - Lower Mills
Suffolk, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftArmstrong Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 20 ftPonkapoag Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 7 ftNeponset River Dam - Hyde Park
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Blue Hills Reservoir Dam?
Blue Hills Reservoir 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 Blue Hills Reservoir Dam?
Blue Hills Reservoir 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 Blue Hills Reservoir Dam built?
Blue Hills Reservoir 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 Blue Hills Reservoir Dam?
Blue Hills Reservoir 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 Blue Hills Reservoir Dam?
Blue Hills Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 36 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 Blue Hills Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Blue Hills Reservoir Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.