Pawtucket Dam
Key Takeaway
Pawtucket Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1848 and is 178 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 56.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,178 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 720 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,979 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 573,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1848 (178 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00837 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Not Listed
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High Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pawtucket Dam?
Pawtucket Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Pawtucket Dam?
Pawtucket Dam is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pawtucket Dam built?
Pawtucket Dam was completed in 1848, making it 178 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 Pawtucket Dam?
Pawtucket Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Navigation, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Pawtucket Dam?
Pawtucket Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Pawtucket Dam last inspected?
Pawtucket Dam was last inspected on May 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.