Mechanics Pond Dam

TEN MILE RIVER· Bristol, Massachusetts· Built 1997· Concrete· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mechanics Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 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 Length65 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage96 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area20 sq mi
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDMA00863

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: January 17, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF ATTLEBORO, PUBLIC WORKS, HIGHWAY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mechanics Pond Dam?

Mechanics 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 Mechanics Pond Dam?

Mechanics Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF ATTLEBORO, PUBLIC WORKS, HIGHWAY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mechanics Pond Dam built?

Mechanics Pond Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Mechanics Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Mechanics Pond Dam?

Mechanics 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 Mechanics Pond Dam last inspected?

Mechanics Pond Dam was last inspected on January 17, 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.