Adams Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Adams Pond Dam, located in Oakham, Massachusetts, is a private earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at 7 feet high and 425 feet long, creates a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 117 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is inspected regularly to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are managed effectively.

The dam controls the flow of Burrow Brook and provides a surface area of 39 acres for recreational activities. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk (rating of 3) and has a spillway type of uncontrolled with a spillway width of 0. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are not specified in the available data, but the last inspection conducted in June 2014 indicates a thorough assessment of its safety and structural integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Adams Pond Dam would appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities while also recognizing the importance of its regular inspection and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards. The dam's location in Worcester County, Massachusetts, highlights the need for sustainable management practices to ensure the safety and longevity of this vital water infrastructure.

Dam Length

425

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

BURROW BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.