Eames Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Eames Pond Dam, located in Oxford, Massachusetts, is a masonry dam situated on a tributary of Lowes Brook.


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Summary

With a height of 13 feet and a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 5.1 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. While the dam has a normal storage capacity of 16.1 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 42.9 acre-feet, its condition assessment is marked as poor, with a significant hazard potential due to its outdated infrastructure.

Managed by a private owner, Eames Pond Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite being state-regulated and permitted, the dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with its last assessment conducted in May 2017. The risk assessment for Eames Pond Dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined. As a significant recreational attraction in the area, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are crucial for public safety and water resource sustainability in the region.

Dam Length

214

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF LOWES BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

5.1

Hydraulic Height

10.5

Drainage Area

4.09

Nid Storage

42.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.