Richmond Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Richmond Pond Dam in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, located on the Southwest Branch of the Housatonic River, stands at 15 feet high with a hydraulic height of 10 feet. It has a length of 598 feet and a storage capacity of 2340 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities on its 234-acre surface area.

Although the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, its condition assessment as of December 2011 was deemed fair. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation regulates the dam, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are all in place. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a risk level of 3 out of 5, there are no emergency action plans in place at this time.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Richmond Pond Dam an intriguing subject for study, with its unique design and recreational significance. As a regulated structure in the New England District, the dam serves as both a practical water management tool and a potential risk factor that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Dam Length

598

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SOUTHWEST BR HOUSATONIC

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

234

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

7.58

Nid Storage

2340

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.