Balch Pond Dike Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Balch Pond Dike, located in Ayer, Massachusetts, is a vital structure designed for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 3 meters and spans a length of 310 meters, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Despite its important function, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential.
The dam's primary purposes also include fire protection, stock, or small fish pond creation, and recreation. While it lacks a spillway, the Balch Pond Dike is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure public safety. With a drainage area of 3.92 square kilometers and a surface area of 5.5 hectares, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its poor condition and high risk assessment, the Balch Pond Dike remains a key asset for flood risk reduction in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges for water resource management, the upkeep and maintenance of critical infrastructure like the Balch Pond Dike are essential to safeguard communities and ecosystems from the threats of flooding.
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
3 |
River Or Stream |
N/A |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
2 |
Drainage Area |
3.92 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
3 |
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.
Balch Pond Dike
Great Road 687, Littleton