Shepard Street Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Shepard Street Dam, located in Canton, Massachusetts, was completed in 1956 and serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Massapoag Brook.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 10.6 feet, has a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and also supports recreational activities in the area. Despite its important role, the dam's condition assessment reveals it to be in poor condition, posing a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Shepard Street Dam is state-regulated, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 6 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 11 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 0.01 square miles. Even with its moderate risk assessment, the dam's poor condition emphasizes the need for ongoing maintenance and potential rehabilitation efforts to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

10.6

River Or Stream

MASSAPOAG BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.01

Hydraulic Height

10.6

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.