Turner Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Turner Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 470 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 294 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01152 |
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
CITY OF NEW BEDFORD, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
High Hill Reservoir Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 25 ftHawes Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftCornell Lower Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftButtonwood Park Pond Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftCopicut Reservoir Dam
Bristol, MA
High Hazard 40 ftLake Noquochoke Upper Dam
Bristol, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftNoquochoke Lake Dam
Bristol, MA
High Hazard 14 ftNew Bedford Reservoir Dam
Bristol, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Turner Pond Dam?
Turner 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 Turner Pond Dam?
Turner Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF NEW BEDFORD, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Turner Pond Dam built?
Turner Pond Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Turner Pond Dam?
Turner 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 Turner Pond Dam?
Turner Pond Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Turner Pond Dam last inspected?
Turner Pond Dam was last inspected on April 8, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.