Hawes Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Hawes Pond Dam, located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is a masonry dam on the Paskamansett River primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a hydraulic height of 3 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 76.7 acre-feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential and was last inspected in June 2012, with a fair condition assessment.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Hawes Pond Dam is state-regulated, permitted, and inspected, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled and it has a drainage area of 15.8 square miles. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, there are currently no emergency action plans in place. With its picturesque location and importance for recreation, Hawes Pond Dam serves as a vital water resource in Bristol County, Massachusetts, for both environmental enthusiasts and local residents alike.

Dam Length

95

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

PASKAMANSETT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

11.3

Hydraulic Height

3

Drainage Area

15.8

Nid Storage

76.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.