Mill Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Mill Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 285 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 146 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00027 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DOT - DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Glen Charles Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 19 ftTihonet Pond #1 Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftParker Mills Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
High Hazard 19 ftTihonet Pond #2 Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 26 ftRose Brook Lower Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftWhite Island Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftHorseshoe Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Low Hazard 14 ftEast Head Pond Dam
Plymouth, MA
Low Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond Dam?
Mill Pond 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 Mill Pond Dam?
Mill Pond Dam is owned by DOT - DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mill Pond Dam built?
Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 Mill Pond Dam?
Mill 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 Mill Pond Dam?
Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Mill Pond Dam last inspected?
Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.