Shaker Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Shaker Mill Pond Dam, located in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure on the Williams River with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at 18 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 11.8 feet. With a storage capacity of 466 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 30.1 acres and serves a drainage area of 32.5 square miles.

Regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, Shaker Mill Pond Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, yet its condition assessment is rated as satisfactory as of December 2017. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has a moderate risk assessment score of 3. While no emergency action plan was reported, the dam undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety standards are maintained.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate monitoring will find Shaker Mill Pond Dam an intriguing subject for study, given its location in the Berkshire County of Massachusetts and its impact on the local ecosystem. With its recreational purpose, storage capacity, and risk management measures, this earth dam on the Williams River offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental sustainability in the region.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

WILLIAMS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30.1

Hydraulic Height

11.8

Drainage Area

32.5

Nid Storage

466

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.