Lunden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lunden Dam, located in Monson, Massachusetts, is a private earth dam built in 1958 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 5 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 44.7 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of Temple Brook and covers a surface area of 16 acres, providing a scenic and tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.

Despite being privately owned, Lunden Dam is subject to state regulations and oversight by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. The dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The condition assessment in 2015 rated the dam as fair, and it has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards.

Visitors to Lunden Dam can appreciate its historical significance, as well as its role in providing recreational opportunities in the Hampden County area. With its picturesque setting and well-maintained facilities, the dam serves as a valuable resource for both water enthusiasts and climate advocates who value the importance of preserving and enjoying natural water resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

9.5

River Or Stream

TEMPLE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

44.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.