Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Mill Pond Dam, located in Barnstable, Massachusetts, is a concrete buttress dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam is owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is state-jurisdiction and state-permitted. It stands at a height of 7 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6.33 feet, with a storage capacity of 22.8 acre-feet.

The dam poses a significant hazard potential and was last inspected in September 2015, with a fair condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam is maintained at a 5-year inspection frequency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The spillway type for Mill Pond Dam is listed as uncontrolled, indicating the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent any potential flooding or overflow events.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be interested in the unique design and purpose of Mill Pond Dam, as well as the management measures in place to mitigate its risk level. The dam's association with the MARSTONS MILL RIVER, formerly known as GOODSPEED RIVER, adds to its historical significance and ecological impact in the area. Overall, Mill Pond Dam serves as a vital structure for both recreational activities and water resource management in Barnstable, Massachusetts.

Dam Length

52.5

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

MARSTONS MILL RIVER. FORMERLY GOODSPEED RIVER.

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

5.9

Hydraulic Height

6.33

Drainage Area

8.48

Nid Storage

22.8

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.