Balch Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Balch Pond Dam, located in Ayer, Massachusetts, is owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with additional purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond maintenance, and recreational activities. Standing at a height of 12 feet and with a hydraulic height of 11 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.5 acres.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Balch Pond Dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam, constructed with earth materials and a buttress core type, is designed as an uncontrolled spillway structure. With a drainage area of 3.92 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role of Balch Pond Dam in mitigating flooding and protecting the surrounding community in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. As a locally owned and regulated structure, the dam's importance lies in its ability to maintain normal storage levels and support recreational activities while also addressing the moderate risk level associated with its condition. Continued inspections and risk management measures are essential to ensuring the dam's effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water resource management in the area.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
N/A |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
3.92 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Balch Pond Dam
Great Road 687, Littleton