Haskins Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Haskins Pond Dam, located in Orange, Massachusetts, was completed in 1937 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, which spans 300 feet in length and stands at a height of 15 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. It is situated on Orcutt Brook and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor activities due to its surface area of 5.8 acres.

The earth dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and a hydraulic height of 7 feet. It is classified as a buttress core type with an unknown foundation. The dam has a drainage area of 9.6 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. Although the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a score of 3, it has not been assigned a dam safety action classification date. The last inspection conducted on the dam was on May 31, 2018, with an inspection frequency of 5 years.

Despite its aging infrastructure and significant hazard potential, Haskins Pond Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in Orange, Massachusetts. As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the dam will be crucial to ensure public safety and preserve the dam's functionality for future generations.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

ORCUTT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.8

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

9.6

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.