Forge Pond Dam

CANTON RIVER AKA EAST BRANCH OF NEPONSET RIVER· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Built 1949· Concrete· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Forge Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA)
Dam Length40 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage160 acre-ft
Normal Storage49 acre-ft
Surface Area29 acres
Drainage Area27 sq mi
Year Completed1949 (77 years old)
NID IDMA00806

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: Yes
Last Inspection: June 29, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF CANTON, 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 CANTON, 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 1949, making it 77 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: 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 11 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 June 29, 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.