Carpenter Pond Dam

COCASSET RIVER· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Built 1888· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carpenter Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1888 and is 138 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage310 acre-ft
Normal Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1888 (138 years old)
NID IDMA01156

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 15, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF FOXBOROUGH, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carpenter Pond Dam?

Carpenter Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carpenter Pond Dam?

Carpenter Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF FOXBOROUGH, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carpenter Pond Dam built?

Carpenter Pond Dam was completed in 1888, making it 138 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 Carpenter Pond Dam?

Carpenter 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 Carpenter Pond Dam?

Carpenter Pond 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 Carpenter Pond Dam last inspected?

Carpenter Pond Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.