Calkins Pond Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Calkins Pond Upper Dam in Hampden, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


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Summary

This dam, located in Monson and part of a tributary of Chicopee Brook, serves a primary purpose of "Other" with a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam, with a height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 19 feet, has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in May 2017.

The dam, constructed with a buttress core type and an unlisted/unknown foundation, has a surface area of 6 acres and a normal storage capacity of 21 acre-feet. With an uncontrolled spillway type and no locks or outlets, the structure poses a moderate risk (3) and undergoes inspections every five years. Despite its satisfactory condition, the dam's risk management measures, emergency action plans, and inundation maps are not clearly outlined in the available data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Calkins Pond Upper Dam's design and regulatory oversight may find this structure intriguing for its unique characteristics and risk profile. The dam, nestled in a picturesque location in Massachusetts, stands as a vital component of the local water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF CHICOPEE BROOK

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

35

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.