Hayes Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pratts Pond Dam Hovey Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Hayes Pond Dam, located in Grafton, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, constructed of earth with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet. It creates a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet, covering an area of 4.2 acres and draining a watershed area of 5.03 square miles. The dam, built on Bummet Brook, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is inspected with a frequency of 5 years.
Despite its significance for recreation, Hayes Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2013. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and lacks outlet gates. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a rating of 3, there is no detailed risk management plan in place. The congressman representing the area is James P. McGovern, a Democrat. The dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion, and its emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are all unlisted or unknown.
Overall, Hayes Pond Dam presents a complex picture of a recreational structure with potential safety concerns. Its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential highlight the need for further inspection and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure public safety and preserve the ecological balance of Bummet Brook and its surrounding area. As a key water resource in Worcester County, Massachusetts, the dam's management and maintenance are crucial for sustainable water management and climate resilience in the region.
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BUMMET BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
5.03 |
Nid Storage |
75 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Hayes Pond Dam
Brigham Hill Road Grafton