Centennial Dam

MOTHER BROOK· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Masonry· 21 ft tall

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Centennial Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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	21 ft (taller than 72.5% in MA)
Dam Length	350 ft
Dam Type	Masonry
Max Storage	96 acre-ft
Normal Storage	66 acre-ft

Surface Area	7 acres
Drainage Area	2 sq mi
NID ID	MA02569

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: November 13, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

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Pine Tree Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam

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Ponkapoag Pond Dam

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Reservoir Pond Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Centennial Dam?

Centennial 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 Centennial Dam?

Centennial Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Centennial Dam?

Centennial Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Centennial Dam?

Centennial Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Centennial Dam last inspected?

Centennial Dam was last inspected on November 13, 2020. 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.