Forge Pond Dam

MEADOWS BROOK· Plymouth, Massachusetts· Built 1726· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Forge Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1726 and is 300 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage66 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Year Completed1726 (300 years old)
NID IDMA00427

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 23, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF E. BRIDGEWATER, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF E. BRIDGEWATER, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Forge Pond Dam built?

Forge Pond Dam was completed in 1726, making it 300 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 Forge Pond Dam?

Forge Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Forge Pond Dam?

Forge 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 Forge Pond Dam last inspected?

Forge Pond Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2014. 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.