Brackett Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF SKUG RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1930· Concrete· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Brackett Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA)
Dam Length140 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage142 acre-ft
Normal Storage73 acre-ft
Surface Area141 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDMA01133

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 26, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Brackett Pond Dam?

Brackett Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Brackett Pond Dam?

Brackett Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Brackett Pond Dam built?

Brackett Pond Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Brackett Pond Dam?

Brackett Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Brackett Pond Dam?

Brackett Pond Dam has a dam height of 13 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Brackett Pond Dam last inspected?

Brackett Pond Dam was last inspected on February 26, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.