Bird Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Bird Pond Dam, located in Walpole, Massachusetts, is a private structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This concrete dam, completed in 1906, serves primarily for recreational purposes along the Neponset River. Standing at a height of 18.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 11.1 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 185 acre-feet and spans 435 feet in length. However, its condition assessment has been deemed unsatisfactory, with a high hazard potential, prompting biennial inspections to ensure public safety.

Despite its historical significance and contribution to local recreation, Bird Pond Dam faces maintenance challenges and a moderate risk level due to its current condition. The dam's spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, poses a potential risk in case of overflow, warranting regular inspections and enforcement measures by state regulatory agencies. With an inadequate emergency action plan and outdated risk management strategies, there is a pressing need for the dam's owners to address safety concerns and implement necessary upgrades to meet modern guidelines and ensure the community's protection from potential hazards associated with the structure.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

NEPONSET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

11.1

Drainage Area

25.1

Nid Storage

185

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.