Kittredge Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Kittredge Dam, located in East Brookfield, Massachusetts, was completed in 1964 by the USDA NRCS and is owned by the state.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet, with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, stretching 1620 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves as a fish and wildlife pond and recreation area.

With a storage capacity of 460 acre-feet, Kittredge Dam plays a crucial role in managing the confluence of two tributaries of the Five Mile River. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2017. The state regulatory agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation, oversees the permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this structure, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community and environment.

As a site of moderate risk with a well-prepared emergency action plan, Kittredge Dam stands as a testament to the importance of infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks. Its role in providing recreational opportunities and supporting wildlife habitats further highlights the multifaceted benefits of dams in our changing climate landscape. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance, Kittredge Dam continues to contribute to the resilience of the Worcester County water systems.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1620

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

CONFLUENCE OF 2 TRIBUTARIES OF FIVE MILE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.3

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

460

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
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.