Shepard Pond Dam

MASSAPOAG BROOK· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Shepard Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 56.3% in MA)
Dam Length193 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage47 acre-ft
Normal Storage19 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
NID IDMA01162

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: Yes
Last Inspection: October 30, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF CANTON, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Shepard Street Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Revere Street Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Forge Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Bolivar Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Spillway Dam At Neponset St.

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Trowel Shop Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Low Hazard 20 ft

Reservoir Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Manns Pond Dam

Norfolk, MA

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Shepard Pond Dam?

Shepard 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 Shepard Pond Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Shepard Pond Dam?

Shepard 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 Shepard Pond Dam?

Shepard Pond Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Shepard Pond Dam last inspected?

Shepard Pond Dam was last inspected on October 30, 2015. 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.