Rabbitt Hill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Rabbitt Hill Pond Dam, located in Plainville, Massachusetts, was completed in 1940 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet, with a hydraulic height of 6 feet, and a length of 100 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 150 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the risk assessment for Rabbitt Hill Pond Dam indicates a moderate risk level. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and is situated on a tributary of the Stop River. The surrounding area boasts a drainage area of 0.36 square miles, making it an important ecological and recreational resource for the region. The dam's risk management measures, emergency action plan, and inundation maps are currently unlisted, suggesting potential areas for improvement in the future.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that the dam's emergency action plan is up to date and meets guidelines for effective response. With Joseph P. Kennedy III serving as the representative for the area, there is a level of federal oversight that complements the state's regulatory efforts. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition and management of dams like Rabbitt Hill Pond Dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of these vital water infrastructure assets in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF STOP RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

170

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.