Round Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Round Pond Dam, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is a private recreational dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1963.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 18.5 feet and a storage capacity of 470 acre-feet, serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the Berkshire County area. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and undergoes state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam, situated on a tributary of the Williams River, has a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2012. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. While it has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, the dam is well-maintained and meets state permitting requirements for operation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Round Pond Dam as a vital recreational structure in the region, providing both enjoyment for visitors and important water storage capabilities for the local ecosystem.

Overall, Round Pond Dam serves as a key feature in the landscape of Housatonic, MA, offering opportunities for recreation and leisure activities while also fulfilling essential water management functions. As a privately-owned dam with a strong regulatory framework and regular inspections, it exemplifies responsible stewardship of water resources in the area. Its design by the USDA NRCS and oversight by the state regulatory agency ensure that Round Pond Dam continues to play a valuable role in the community for years to come, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

385

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF WILLIAMS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

56

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Drainage Area

0.76

Nid Storage

470

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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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.