Parker Mills Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Parker Mills Pond Dam, located in Wareham, Massachusetts, is a gravity dam built in 1900 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 990 acre-feet, this dam on the Wankinko River offers a surface area of 105 acres for various recreational activities. However, despite its historical significance and recreational benefits, the dam is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential safety improvements.
Managed by a private owner, Parker Mills Pond Dam falls under state regulation by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. With a controlled spillway and a drainage area of 17.9 square miles, the dam poses a significant risk of inundation in the event of a structural failure. Given its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize regular inspections, maintenance, and potentially implement risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of this water resource for future generations.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
415 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
WANKINKO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
105 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
17.9 |
Nid Storage |
990 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Parker Mills Pond Dam