Shawville Pond Dam

WALES BROOK· Hampden, Massachusetts· Built 2003· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Shawville Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA)
Dam Length65 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage22 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed2003 (23 years old)
NID IDMA02381

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 20, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF WALES, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shawville Pond Dam?

Shawville Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Shawville Pond Dam?

Shawville Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF WALES, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Shawville Pond Dam built?

Shawville Pond Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 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 Shawville Pond Dam?

Shawville 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 Shawville Pond Dam?

Shawville Pond Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Shawville Pond Dam last inspected?

Shawville Pond Dam was last inspected on June 20, 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.