Hatchet Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hatchet Pond Dam in Southbridge, Massachusetts, is a locally owned earth dam that serves as an essential water supply structure for the area.


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Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 9.4 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 373 acre-feet and a surface area of 37.95 acres. It is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Hatchet Pond Dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in March 2017. The dam has an emergency action plan in place and meets guidelines for risk management, with a moderate risk assessment of 3. While there have been no major modifications to the dam in recent years, its primary purpose of providing water supply remains crucial to the community it serves.

Located on Hatchet Brook, this dam plays a vital role in maintaining water resources in the Worcester County area of Massachusetts. With a focus on water supply and a commitment to regulatory compliance and safety measures, Hatchet Pond Dam stands as a key infrastructure for managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

HATCHET BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

37.95

Hydraulic Height

9.4

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

373

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.