Chartley Pond Dam dam
Chartley Pond Dam
Chartley Pond Dam, located in Norton, Massachusetts, was completed in 1696 and serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam, with a height of 11.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 7.5 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 633 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 451 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Chartley Brook and has a surface area of 90 acres, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities.
This Rockfill dam, primarily used for recreation, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite being classified with a "High" hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in August 2020. With a drainage area of 6.49 square miles, the dam offers moderate risk management measures and is subject to regular inspections every two years to ensure its safety. Its historical significance, dating back to the 17th century, adds to the charm of this unique water resource.
Chartley Pond Dam's location in Bristol County, Massachusetts, and its association with Chartley Brook make it a valuable asset for the community and a significant feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Its long history, combined with its recreational purpose and scenic surroundings, make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to appreciate the beauty of nature while also recognizing the importance of maintaining and safeguarding water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Chartley Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wading River Near Norton | 24 cfs | → |
| Threemile River At North Dighton | 63 cfs | → |
| Segreganset River Near Dighton | 4 cfs | → |
| Blackstone R At Roosevelt St At Pawtucket Ri | 520 cfs | → |
| Ten Mile River At Pawtucket Ave @ E Providence | 49 cfs | → |
| Moshassuck River At Providence | 15 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chartley Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- Norton Reservoir Launch
- Falls Pond
- Lakeside Drive 62-136, Bridgewater
- Olney Pond
- Beach Street Sharon
- Lincoln Woods
Track Chartley Pond Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Chartley Pond Dam
Where does the data for Chartley Pond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Chartley Pond Dam.