Brierly Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Brierly Pond Dam, located in Millbury, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, constructed with an earth core and buttress, stands at a height of 10 feet with a hydraulic height of 8.6 feet. It impounds Singletary Brook, a tributary to the Blackstone River, creating a surface area of 20.5 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 132 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational benefits, Brierly Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2009. The dam is classified as having a moderate risk level, and it is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. The structure lacks updated emergency action plans and inundation maps, raising concerns about its ability to respond to potential risks and emergencies effectively.

With its location in Worcester County and its association with the New England District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Brierly Pond Dam represents a key point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's condition and management measures are essential considerations for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the local environment and community.

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SINGLETARY BROOK (TRIBUTARY TO BLACKSTONE RIVER)

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.5

Hydraulic Height

8.6

Drainage Area

4.4

Nid Storage

132

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.