Ron Nelson Dam

Franklin, Massachusetts· Built 1900· 29 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ron Nelson Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 85.7% in MA)
Max Storage16 acre-ft
Normal Storage14 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMA02667

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: March 3, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

FORGET ROAD REALTY TRUST II

Private

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Papoose Lake Upper Dam

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Crooked Pond Dam

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Deerfield No. 4

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ron Nelson Dam?

Ron Nelson 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 Ron Nelson Dam?

Ron Nelson Dam is owned by FORGET ROAD REALTY TRUST II (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ron Nelson Dam built?

Ron Nelson Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Ron Nelson Dam?

Ron Nelson 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 Ron Nelson Dam?

Ron Nelson Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Ron Nelson Dam last inspected?

Ron Nelson Dam was last inspected on March 3, 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.