Cochran Dam
Key Takeaway
Cochran Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 960 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 640 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | MA02572 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
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
Willow St. By-Pass Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftNoannet Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 18 ftRosemary Lake Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 12 ftWellesley Avenue Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftCharles River Dam At South Natick
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 15 ftPaintshop Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftWeld Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 17 ftMorses Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cochran Dam?
Cochran Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cochran Dam?
Cochran 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 Cochran Dam built?
Cochran Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Cochran Dam?
Cochran Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cochran Dam?
Cochran Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Cochran Dam last inspected?
Cochran Dam was last inspected on March 7, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.