Minott Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Minott Pond Dam, located in Westminster, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves as a recreational area for water and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. It stands at a height of 6.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 5.5 feet, creating a storage capacity of 32 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.3 acres.

Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam has a significant hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment. The last inspection conducted in May 2018 revealed a need for improvement in its risk management measures. While the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, it is essential for the owners to ensure that emergency action plans are prepared and meet guidelines to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.

With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, stakeholders and regulators must work together to address the safety concerns of Minott Pond Dam. This earth dam, associated with a tributary of Mahoney Brook, plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management. By prioritizing maintenance and implementing necessary risk management measures, the dam can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding environment.

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

6.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF MAHONEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.3

Hydraulic Height

5.5

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

32

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.