French Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

French Pond Dam, located in Easton, Massachusetts, is a private dam regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1760, this Earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes along the Dorchester (Meadow) Brook. With a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 9.6 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.5 acres.

Despite its historical significance, French Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment. With a very high risk level and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, the dam poses a potential threat to the surrounding area in case of failure. The last inspection in May 2018 highlighted the urgent need for maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the dam and the community it serves.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, the French Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of historical infrastructure, recreational use, and the urgent need for risk mitigation in the face of changing climate conditions. This dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections, maintenance, and emergency preparedness to safeguard both the environment and the local population from the potential consequences of dam failure.

Year Completed

1760

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

DORCHESTER (MEADOW) BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Hydraulic Height

9.6

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

45

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.