O'Brien Pond Dam

FLAT BROOK - TRIB TO WARE· Hampshire, Massachusetts· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

O'Brien Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length370 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage29 acre-ft
Normal Storage13 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
NID IDMA02710

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: No
Last Inspection: April 13, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

UNKNOWN

Private

Nearby Dams

Pilchs #3 Dam

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 15 ft

Snow Pond Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Juda Dam

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 16 ft

Peppers Mill Pond Dam

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 7 ft

Ware Lower

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 18 ft

Beaver Lake Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Ware Upper

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 34 ft

Quabbin Goodnough Dike

Hampshire, MA

High Hazard 135 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of O'Brien Pond Dam?

O'Brien 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 O'Brien Pond Dam?

O'Brien Pond Dam is owned by UNKNOWN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of O'Brien Pond Dam?

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

How tall is O'Brien Pond Dam?

O'Brien 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 O'Brien Pond Dam last inspected?

O'Brien Pond Dam was last inspected on April 13, 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.