Cranberry Meadow Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Located in Spencer, Massachusetts, Cranberry Meadow Pond Dam stands as a crucial structure regulating the flow of the Cranberry River.


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Summary

Built in 1939, this earthen dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene environment for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 11 feet and a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 69 acres and holds a normal storage volume of 380 acre-feet.

Despite its historical significance, Cranberry Meadow Pond Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, marked as poor, and its hazard potential, labeled as significant. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in April 2018. The Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts oversees the regulation, inspection, and enforcement of this vital structure to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the risk assessment for Cranberry Meadow Pond Dam indicates a moderate level of risk (3 out of 5). While the dam currently meets guidelines for emergency action plans, there is room for improvement in terms of risk management measures and inundation mapping preparedness. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is essential to monitor the upkeep and regulatory efforts surrounding structures like Cranberry Meadow Pond Dam to safeguard both the environment and the community.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

65

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

CRANBERRY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

69

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

450

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.