Morse Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Morse Pond Dam, located in Easton, Massachusetts, is a private dam constructed in 1920 for recreational purposes along the Queest Brook.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a length of 150 feet, this earth dam plays a crucial role in providing a surface area of 18.5 acres and a drainage area of 9.7 square miles. However, the dam's condition assessment has been rated as poor, with a high hazard potential, prompting a need for regular inspections and maintenance.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Morse Pond Dam is regulated by the state of Massachusetts and has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place. Despite its poor condition, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of recreation, offering a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a normal storage of 80 acre-feet. With a moderate risk assessment rating, stakeholders are urged to stay informed about potential risks and management measures for this important water resource structure.

Given its historical significance and environmental impact, Morse Pond Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and recreational use. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue, the future of Morse Pond Dam will likely involve collaborative efforts to ensure its continued function while mitigating potential risks to surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

QUESET BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.5

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

9.7

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.