Indian Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Indian Lake Dam, located in Becket, Massachusetts, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1975 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 15.2 meters with a hydraulic height of 12 meters, the dam impounds Spark Brook and creates a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 621 acre-feet. With a surface area of 67.8 acres and a drainage area of 1.29 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water for recreational activities in the area.

The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2016 was deemed satisfactory. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in case of emergencies.

Indian Lake Dam serves as a vital structure for recreational activities and water resource management in the Berkshire County of Massachusetts. With its controlled spillway type and uncontrolled spillway width, the dam provides a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike. The presence of regulatory agencies and inspections further highlights the importance placed on maintaining the dam's integrity and ensuring its continued operation for the benefit of the community.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

15.2

River Or Stream

SPARK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

67.8

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1.29

Nid Storage

621

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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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.