Ellis Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Ellis Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 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 | 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 134 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 68 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00805 |
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 NORWOOD, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Willett Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
High Hazard 25 ftBird Pond Dam
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High Hazard 19 ftHollingsworth & Vose Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftPlimpton Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 19 ftCobbs Pond Dam
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High Hazard 12 ftDiamond Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftMemorial Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 11 ftAllen Reservoir PL-566 Flood Control Dam
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High Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ellis Pond Dam?
Ellis 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 Ellis Pond Dam?
Ellis Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF NORWOOD, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ellis Pond Dam built?
Ellis Pond Dam was completed in 1998, making it 28 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 Ellis Pond Dam?
Ellis 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 Ellis Pond Dam?
Ellis Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Ellis Pond Dam last inspected?
Ellis Pond Dam was last inspected on August 15, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.