Spot Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

The Spot Pond Dam in Stoneham, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is primarily used for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 650 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 7,779 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.59 square miles. The dam is located along Spot Pond Brook and is classified as having a significant hazard potential, although its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in May 2013.

Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the Spot Pond Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in November 2015, and it meets regulatory guidelines for risk management measures. With a designated inspection frequency of five years, the dam is monitored for any potential hazards and is prepared to respond to emergency situations should they arise. Overall, the Spot Pond Dam serves as a crucial water resource infrastructure in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, for both water supply and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and study.

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SPOT POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

307

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.59

Nid Storage

7779

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
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.