Silver Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Silver Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 275 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 460 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 440 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
| NID ID | MA03097 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TOWN OF BELLINGHAM, CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Jenks Pond Dam
Norfolk, MA
Low Hazard 7 ftLake Hiawatha Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftHales Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftBox Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 9 ftHolley Lane Pond
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High Hazard 8 ftHarris Pond
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High Hazard 38 ftSylvester Pond
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Low Hazard 24 ftMiscoe Lake
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High Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Silver Lake Dam?
Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake Dam?
Silver Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF BELLINGHAM, CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Lake Dam built?
Silver Lake Dam was completed in 1998, making it 28 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 Silver Lake Dam?
Silver 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 Silver Lake Dam?
Silver Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Silver Lake Dam last inspected?
Silver Lake Dam was last inspected on January 13, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.