Iron Hill Dam

WEYMOUTH BACK RIVER· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Gravity· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Iron Hill Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 26 ft (taller than 81.7% in MA)
Dam Length190 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage33 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
NID IDMA02492

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: September 1, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF WEYMOUTH, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Whitmans Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

High Hazard 15 ft

Cushing Pond Dam

Plymouth, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Smelt Brook Dam

Norfolk, MA

High Hazard 15 ft

Fulling Mill Pond Dam

Plymouth, MA

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Accord Pond Dam

Plymouth, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Weymouth Great Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Woodpecker Pond Dam

Plymouth, MA

Low Hazard 7 ft

Triphammer Pond Dam

Plymouth, MA

Low Hazard 5 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Iron Hill Dam?

Iron Hill 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 Iron Hill Dam?

Iron Hill Dam is owned by TOWN OF WEYMOUTH, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Iron Hill Dam?

Iron Hill 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 Iron Hill Dam?

Iron Hill Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Iron Hill Dam last inspected?

Iron Hill Dam was last inspected on September 1, 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.