Harvard Pond Dam, located in Petersham, Massachusetts, serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.
Wind
Humidity
Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 160 feet in length, providing a surface area of 86 acres for recreational activities. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 280 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 410 acre-feet.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Harvard Pond Dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being assessed as in fair condition, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. With a spillway type of uncontrolled and a drainage area of 3.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for the East Branch Fever Brook.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Harvard Pond Dam a fascinating structure, not only for its recreational value but also for its role in water management and risk assessment. As a significant part of the local landscape, the dam's condition and management are crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem.
Dam Length |
160 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
EAST BRANCH FEVER BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
86 |
Hydraulic Height |
6.5 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
410 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |