Upper Porter Pond Dam

SALISBURY BROOK & SALISBURY PLAIN RIVER· Plymouth, Massachusetts· Built 1940· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Porter Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA)
Dam Length340 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage28 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDMA00425

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: February 8, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Porter Pond Dam?

Upper Porter 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 Upper Porter Pond Dam?

Upper Porter Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF BROCKTON, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Porter Pond Dam built?

Upper Porter Pond Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Upper Porter Pond Dam?

Upper Porter 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 Upper Porter Pond Dam?

Upper Porter Pond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Upper Porter Pond Dam last inspected?

Upper Porter Pond Dam was last inspected on February 8, 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.