Sweets Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Sweets Pond Dam, located in Bristol, Massachusetts, was completed in 1934 and serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

This rockfill dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a hydraulic height of 7.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, and it is regulated and inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.

Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, Sweets Pond Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in April 2018 revealed the need for maintenance and improvement to ensure its continued functionality and safety. While it has not been modified in recent years, there is a very high risk associated with the dam, emphasizing the urgency of addressing its structural deficiencies.

With its location on the Wading River and the potential for high-risk consequences in the event of a failure, Sweets Pond Dam stands as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region. As efforts are made to assess and address the dam's condition, it serves as a reminder of the crucial role that infrastructure plays in managing water resources and adapting to climate challenges.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

WADING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

7.5

Drainage Area

20.4

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.