Barefoot Brook Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Barefoot Brook Dam, also known as A-6h Site, is a state-owned structure in Hudson, Massachusetts, designed by USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction measure.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 211.5 acre-feet. Located on the Barefoot Brook, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Barefoot Brook Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk rating, this dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with regular inspections scheduled every five years. Despite its primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam also serves secondary purposes such as fish and wildlife pond creation and recreation opportunities for the local community.

In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and compliance with guidelines remain unspecified. With its strategic location and design, Barefoot Brook Dam stands as a vital infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

BAREFOOT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.95

Nid Storage

211.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
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.