Barrett Park Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Barrett Park Pond Dam, located in Leominster, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 10 feet, creates a pond that has a normal storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary of the North Nashua River and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.

Despite its recreational function, Barrett Park Pond Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in November 2017 revealed the dam's poor state, prompting a moderate risk rating. However, the dam's emergency action plan has not been updated in over a decade, raising concerns about its readiness in case of a breach or emergency situation.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should be aware of Barrett Park Pond Dam as a critical structure in the region's water management system. With its condition assessed as poor and a significant hazard potential, there is a need for regular maintenance and updates to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the environment. The dam's association with the North Nashua River underscores its importance in maintaining water quality and flow in the area.

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF NORTH NASHUA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.01

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

105

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.