Watson Pond

MILL RIVER· Bristol, Massachusetts· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Watson Pond is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam Length225 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage294 acre-ft
Normal Storage130 acre-ft
Surface Area65 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDMA03258

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: June 17, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Morey's Bridge Dam

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Prospect Hill Reservoir Dam

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Significant Hazard 54 ft

Three Mile River #1 Dam

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Significant Hazard 13 ft

Meadowbrook Pond Dam

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Kings Pond Dam

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Significant Hazard 13 ft

Hewitt Pond Dam

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Low Hazard 7 ft

Rumford River Dam

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Significant Hazard 9 ft

Old Cabot Pond Dam

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Significant Hazard 10 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Watson Pond?

Watson Pond 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 Watson Pond?

Watson Pond is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Watson Pond?

Watson Pond serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Watson Pond?

Watson Pond has a dam height of 9 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 Watson Pond last inspected?

Watson Pond was last inspected on June 17, 2016. 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.