Noquochoke Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Noquochoke Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1854 and is 172 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 | 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 360 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 440 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1854 (172 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01085 |
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
CITY OF FALL RIVER, DEPT. OF COMMUNITY UTILITIES
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lake Noquochoke Upper Dam
Bristol, MA
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Significant Hazard 8 ftHigh Hill Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 25 ftRussells Mill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftTurner Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 14 ftNorth Watuppa Pond Dam
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High Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Noquochoke Lake Dam?
Noquochoke Lake 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 Noquochoke Lake Dam?
Noquochoke Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF FALL RIVER, DEPT. OF COMMUNITY UTILITIES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Noquochoke Lake Dam built?
Noquochoke Lake Dam was completed in 1854, making it 172 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 Noquochoke Lake Dam?
Noquochoke Lake 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 Noquochoke Lake Dam?
Noquochoke Lake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Noquochoke Lake Dam last inspected?
Noquochoke Lake Dam was last inspected on March 9, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.