Plow Shop Pond Dam

NONACOICUS BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1856· Earth· 7 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Plow Shop Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1856 and is 170 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 2.3% in MA)
Dam Length170 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage270 acre-ft
Normal Storage153 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi
Year Completed1856 (170 years old)
NID IDMA01184

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: April 24, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

G. V. M. REALTY, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Plow Shop Pond Dam?

Plow Shop Pond 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 Plow Shop Pond Dam?

Plow Shop Pond Dam is owned by G. V. M. REALTY, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Plow Shop Pond Dam built?

Plow Shop Pond Dam was completed in 1856, making it 170 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 Plow Shop Pond Dam?

Plow Shop 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 Plow Shop Pond Dam?

Plow Shop Pond Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Plow Shop Pond Dam last inspected?

Plow Shop Pond Dam was last inspected on April 24, 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.