Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Red Brook Road Dam Johns Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Mill Pond Dam, located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1930, the dam stands at 9 feet tall and spans 375 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet. It regulates the flow of the Backus Brook and Green River, encompassing a drainage area of 1.9 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is inspected every five years by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a hydraulic height of 8.5 feet and a surface area of 15 acres. It is regulated by the state jurisdiction and permitting agency, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcement measures. The risk assessment for Mill Pond Dam is rated as moderate, signaling the need for risk management measures. As climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor the condition of this dam to protect water resources and mitigate potential environmental risks in the region.
With its association with the New England District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the oversight of Congressman William R. Keating, Mill Pond Dam represents a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of this dam and advocating for its maintenance and improvement is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem. By staying informed about the dam's condition, inspection frequency, and risk assessment, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of water resources and the mitigation of potential climate-related challenges in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
BACKUS BROOK, GREEN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
8.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.9 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
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.
Mill Pond Dam
Town Landing Road 98, Falmouth