Milford Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Milford Pond Dam, located in Swansea, Massachusetts, was completed in 1900 and serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Cole River.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a drainage area of 11.4 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential maintenance to ensure its structural integrity.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Milford Pond Dam also provides recreational opportunities for the community. With a normal storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 210 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 210 acres and has no spillway. Despite its high risk assessment score of 2, the dam currently lacks an emergency action plan and may require additional risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure public safety in case of emergencies.

Overall, Milford Pond Dam is a vital infrastructure for flood control in the area, but its poor condition assessment and lack of emergency preparedness raise concerns for local water resource and climate enthusiasts. With ongoing inspections and potential maintenance efforts, the dam can continue to serve its primary purpose while also providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

COLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

210

Hydraulic Height

11.5

Drainage Area

11.4

Nid Storage

210

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
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.