Falls Pond Dam

TEN MILE RIVER· Bristol, Massachusetts· Built 1890· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Falls Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage807 acre-ft
Surface Area111 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDMA00865

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: May 19, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF N. ATTLEBORO, CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Falls Pond Dam?

Falls 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 Falls Pond Dam?

Falls Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF N. ATTLEBORO, CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Falls Pond Dam built?

Falls Pond Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Falls Pond Dam?

Falls Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Falls Pond Dam?

Falls Pond Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Falls Pond Dam last inspected?

Falls Pond Dam was last inspected on May 19, 2017. 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.