Cabot Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kingman Pond Dam Fulton Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Cabot Pond Dam, located in Mansfield, Massachusetts, serves as a recreational spot along the Rumford River.
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Summary
The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, stands at 9 feet high with a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. Its Earth core type structure, with a buttress foundation, covers a length of 300 feet and a surface area of 10 acres, providing ample space for outdoor activities and water sports.
Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, Cabot Pond Dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's uncontrolled spillway and significant storage capacity pose potential risks that are managed through regulatory measures. Although there are no associated lock structures, the dam's impact on the surrounding drainage area of 12.2 square miles underscores the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness in safeguarding the local ecosystem and communities downstream.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Cabot Pond Dam to be a vital component of the region's water management infrastructure. Its recreational purpose, coupled with its regulatory oversight and moderate risk profile, highlights the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental safety in maintaining and operating dams like Cabot Pond. As efforts continue to ensure its structural integrity and emergency response readiness, the dam remains a focal point for both leisure activities and conservation efforts along the scenic Rumford River.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
RUMFORD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
12.2 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cabot Pond Dam
Norton Reservoir Launch