Lower Porter Pond Dam

BEAVER BROOK· Plymouth, Massachusetts· Built 1940· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lower Porter Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage24 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDMA00424

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: February 8, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Porter Pond Dam?

Lower Porter 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 Lower Porter Pond Dam?

Lower Porter Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Porter Pond Dam built?

Lower Porter Pond Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Lower Porter Pond Dam?

Lower Porter 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 Lower Porter Pond Dam?

Lower Porter Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Lower Porter Pond Dam last inspected?

Lower Porter Pond Dam was last inspected on February 8, 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.