Cusky Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Cusky Pond Dam, located in New Braintree, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure owned and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a surface area of 30 acres. With a height of 7 feet and a hydraulic height of 5.2 feet, the dam has a low hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of May 2015.

Despite its low hazard potential, Cusky Pond Dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is associated with no other structures. While it has not been inspected since May 2015, the state of Massachusetts requires regular inspections every 10 years to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the management and regulation of dams will find Cusky Pond Dam an intriguing case study of a recreational structure with important implications for public safety and environmental conservation.

Dam Height

7

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

5.2

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

140

Hazard Potential

Low

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.