Buckley-Dunton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Buckley-Dunton Lake Dam is a state-regulated structure located in Becket, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this earth dam serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing essential habitat for local wildlife and recreational opportunities for the community. The dam stands at a height of 21.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 15.5 feet, creating a storage capacity of 2170 acre-feet and a surface area of 154 acres.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Buckley-Dunton Lake Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location on Yokum Brook. Despite this, the condition assessment as of May 2018 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. In the event of an emergency, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan prepared, with the last review conducted in June 2013.

Overall, Buckley-Dunton Lake Dam plays a crucial role in supporting both the ecological and recreational needs of the surrounding area. With its moderate risk assessment and satisfactory condition, the dam continues to be a vital resource for water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

YOKUM BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

154

Hydraulic Height

15.5

Drainage Area

2.2

Nid Storage

2170

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.