Breckwood Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Breckwood Pond Dam, located in Hampden, Massachusetts, serves as an essential structure for recreational purposes along the North Branch Mill River.


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Summary

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 89 acre-feet. Despite its recreational value, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is currently in poor condition as of the last assessment in September 2017.

With a drainage area of 12.65 square miles and a surface area of 2.5 acres, Breckwood Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, which presents challenges in terms of flood control and water release management. The inspection frequency is set at 5 years, reflecting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the dam in the face of climate change and increasing water demands.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like Breckwood Pond Dam become increasingly important. With a moderate risk assessment and a significant hazard potential, there is a clear need for proactive risk management measures and regular inspections to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

NORTH BRANCH MILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

12.65

Nid Storage

89

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

23
       
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.