Chartley Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Chartley Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1696 and is 330 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 | 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 633 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 451 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 90 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1696 (330 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00814 |
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 NORTON, CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Barrowsville Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftSweets Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftRumford River Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 9 ftNorton Reservoir Dam
Bristol, MA
High Hazard 17 ftCabot Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 9 ftMechanics Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftMechanics Pond Dike
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftMeadowbrook Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chartley Pond Dam?
Chartley 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 Chartley Pond Dam?
Chartley Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF NORTON, CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chartley Pond Dam built?
Chartley Pond Dam was completed in 1696, making it 330 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 Chartley Pond Dam?
Chartley 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 Chartley Pond Dam?
Chartley Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Chartley Pond Dam last inspected?
Chartley Pond Dam was last inspected on August 11, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.