Chicken Brook Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Chicken Brook Dam, also known as Audubon Society Pond Dam, is a private dam located in Holliston, Massachusetts.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 57.5 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 0.04 square miles within a drainage area of 0.42 square miles along Chicken Brook.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2009 reported poor conditions, signaling a need for maintenance and repairs. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates, posing potential risks in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chicken Brook Dam offers an intriguing case study in dam management and maintenance. With its historical significance as a habitat for fish and wildlife, the dam's condition assessment challenges stakeholders to address structural issues and improve risk management measures to preserve its ecological value and mitigate potential hazards in the future.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

CHICKEN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.04

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.42

Nid Storage

140

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

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.