Horse Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Horse Pond Dam, located in East Brookfield, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1964.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves as a fish and wildlife pond, as well as a recreational area. It stands at a height of 38 feet with a hydraulic height of 34 feet, and has a length of 2054 feet, holding a storage capacity of 1700 acre-feet.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Horse Pond Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential, yet its condition assessment as of March 2, 2017, was deemed satisfactory. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, presenting a moderate risk level. The structure's inspection frequency is every 5 years, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Horse Pond Dam offers a fascinating example of engineered infrastructure meeting environmental and recreational needs in a balanced manner.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

2054

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

HORSE POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.01

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

3.65

Nid Storage

1700

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

38
       
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.