Bickford Pond Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Bickford Pond Dike, located in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, serves as a crucial structure for water supply purposes along the East Branch Ware River.
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Summary
Constructed in 1970, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,895 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 1,584 acre-feet. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a surface area of 162 acres and a drainage area of 3.08 square miles.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Bickford Pond Dike is regulated and inspected by the state, with a high hazard potential due to its location and function. Despite this, the condition assessment in June 2017 deemed the structure to be satisfactory. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in March 2015, and the risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a moderate risk level.
Overall, Bickford Pond Dike plays a critical role in water resource management in Worcester County, Massachusetts. With its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water supply infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
507 |
Dam Height |
16.5 |
River Or Stream |
EAST BRANCH WARE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
162 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3.08 |
Nid Storage |
1895 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bickford Pond Dike