Parker Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Parker Pond Dam, located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a concrete dam on Parker Brook primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, offers a surface area of 1 acre and a storage capacity of 7 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam's hazard potential is considered significant, with a moderate risk level assigned to it.

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. It has a state permit and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in November 2017. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or associated locks. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam's emergency action plan readiness and inundation maps status remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Parker Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study for understanding the management and maintenance of recreational dams in Massachusetts. The dam's structural features and operational aspects provide insight into the challenges and considerations involved in ensuring the safety and functionality of such water infrastructure. With its significant hazard potential and moderate risk level, Parker Pond Dam underscores the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness in safeguarding water resources and communities downstream.

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

PARKER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

3.16

Nid Storage

7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.