Gaston Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Gaston Pond Dam, located in Barre, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Built in 1915 on Rutland Brook, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a hydraulic height of 9 feet. With a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 97 acres and has a drainage area of 0.8 square miles.

Despite its historical significance and importance in water management, Gaston Pond Dam is currently rated as having poor condition by inspectors. With a significant hazard potential, the dam requires frequent inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts regulates and enforces the maintenance and operation of this dam, in order to mitigate any risks associated with its condition.

With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Gaston Pond Dam is a critical infrastructure that demands attention and regular monitoring to prevent any potential disasters. The dam's condition assessment in 2018 revealed significant concerns, highlighting the need for proactive risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and preserve this vital water resource for future generations.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

RUTLAND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

97

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.