Clear Pond West Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Clear Pond West Dike in Hampden, Massachusetts, is a crucial water resource infrastructure owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1900, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for water supply purposes with a storage capacity of 310 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 19 feet with a hydraulic height of 7 feet, providing essential water management for the tributary of Paucatuck Brook.

Despite its historical significance, Clear Pond West Dike is currently assessed with poor condition and a high risk level, emphasizing the need for maintenance and risk management measures. The last inspection in 2009 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, highlighting the urgency for improvements to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment of 2, this dam requires attention and potential rehabilitation to mitigate any potential risks associated with its condition.

As a key element of water resource management in the region, Clear Pond West Dike's significance lies in its role in supplying water and controlling water levels for the surrounding area. With its poor condition and high-risk assessment, addressing maintenance and rehabilitation needs are essential to safeguard the dam's functionality and prevent any potential hazards. As climate change impacts water resources, ensuring the resilience of infrastructure like Clear Pond West Dike becomes increasingly vital for sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF PAUCATUCK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

310

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.