Forge Pond Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Forge Pond Dike, located in Granby, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that serves as a recreational asset along Bachelor Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 10.7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8.2 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 320 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 540 acre-feet, this dam covers a surface area of 72 acres and drains a watershed area of 14.2 square miles.

Despite its recreational primary purpose, Forge Pond Dike is categorized as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. With the last inspection conducted in April 2018, the dam is in need of maintenance and risk management measures to address its high-risk status. The state of Massachusetts, through the Department of Conservation and Recreation, regulates and inspects the dam, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcing necessary repairs to reduce potential risks to downstream communities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Forge Pond Dike a compelling case study. With its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam presents a critical challenge that requires proactive risk management strategies and regular inspections to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the recreational benefits provided by Bachelor Brook.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

10.7

River Or Stream

BACHELOR BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

72

Hydraulic Height

8.2

Drainage Area

14.2

Nid Storage

540

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.