Coachlace Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Coachlace Pond Dam, located in Clinton, Massachusetts, is a private earth dam completed in 1846 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

It also serves as a water supply source, with a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.5 square miles. The dam is situated on the Counterpane Brook, a tributary of the Nashua River, and stands at a height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 10 feet.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is regulated by the state of Massachusetts and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 0, the dam poses a moderate risk, according to a risk assessment rating of 3.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Coachlace Pond Dam intriguing due to its historical significance, recreational use, and role in water supply management. The dam's location in Worcester County, its association with the Nashua River watershed, and its design as an earth dam with buttress core add to its appeal for those interested in hydrology and infrastructure. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts help to ensure the dam's continued functionality and safety for both recreational users and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1846

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

COUNTERPANE BROOK TRIBUTARY OF NASHUA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

134

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

201

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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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.