Paradise Pond Dam

MILL RIVER· Hampshire, Massachusetts· Masonry· 29 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Paradise Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	29 ft (taller than 85.7% in MA)
Dam Length	990 ft
Dam Type	Masonry
Max Storage	245 acre-ft
Normal Storage	150 acre-ft

Surface Area	14 acres
Drainage Area	54 sq mi
NID ID	MA00754

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: June 30, 2016

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

THE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEGE

Private

Nearby Dams

Mill River Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 40 ft

Rocky Hill Pond Dam

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 26 ft

Vistron Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 25 ft

Lower Mill Pond Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 24 ft

Fitzgerald Dam

Hampshire, MA

Low Hazard 22 ft

Manhan River Dam

Hampshire, MA

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Lake Bray Dam

Hampden, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Cottage Street Dam

Hampshire, MA

High Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Paradise Pond Dam?

Paradise Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Paradise Pond Dam?

Paradise Pond Dam is owned by THE TRUSTEES OF THE SMITH COLLEGE (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Paradise Pond Dam?

Paradise 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 Paradise Pond Dam?

Paradise Pond Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Paradise Pond Dam last inspected?

Paradise Pond Dam was last inspected on June 30, 2016. 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.