Charles River Dam At South Natick
Key Takeaway
Charles River Dam At South Natick is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 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 | 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 165 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00341 |
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
Town of Natick, DPW
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 42 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Charles River Dam At South Natick?
Charles River Dam At South Natick 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 Charles River Dam At South Natick?
Charles River Dam At South Natick is owned by Town of Natick, DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Charles River Dam At South Natick built?
Charles River Dam At South Natick was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Charles River Dam At South Natick?
Charles River Dam At South Natick 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 Charles River Dam At South Natick?
Charles River Dam At South Natick 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 Charles River Dam At South Natick last inspected?
Charles River Dam At South Natick was last inspected on October 13, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.