Holden Reservoir Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Holden Reservoir Dam #2, located in Holden, Massachusetts, is a crucial structure owned by the local government for water supply purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 66.1 feet and with a hydraulic height of 54.8 feet, the dam serves to control Tatnuck Brook and has a normal storage capacity of 758 acre-feet. Built in 1900, the dam has a surface area of 50.5 acres and a drainage area of 5.3 square miles, making it a significant component of the region's water resource infrastructure.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, Holden Reservoir Dam #2 has a high hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in December 2017. Despite its age, the dam has been maintained to meet state regulatory standards, with regular inspections scheduled every 2 years. In case of emergencies, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared as of the last revision in June 2007, but its risk assessment deems the overall risk as moderate.

With its historical significance and functional importance for water supply in Worcester County, Holden Reservoir Dam #2 represents a vital piece of infrastructure that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of the water resource system. As climate change increasingly impacts water resources, the dam's role in managing and storing water becomes even more critical, emphasizing the need for continued attention to its condition and risk management measures.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

715

Dam Height

66.1

River Or Stream

TATNUCK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50.5

Hydraulic Height

54.8

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

1900

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

66
       
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.