Pontoosuc Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Pontoosuc Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1866 and is 160 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 19 ft (taller than 67.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 525 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1866 (160 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00309 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Bel Air Dam
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 27 ftPecks Lower Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 31 ftOnota Lake Dam
Berkshire, MA
High Hazard 18 ftParker Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftGovernment Mill Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 18 ftWild Acres Pond #2 Dam
Berkshire, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftByron Weston Dam No. 1
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 28 ftRichmond Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pontoosuc Lake Dam?
Pontoosuc Lake 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 Pontoosuc Lake Dam?
Pontoosuc Lake 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 Pontoosuc Lake Dam built?
Pontoosuc Lake Dam was completed in 1866, making it 160 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 Pontoosuc Lake Dam?
Pontoosuc Lake 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 Pontoosuc Lake Dam?
Pontoosuc Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Pontoosuc Lake Dam last inspected?
Pontoosuc Lake Dam was last inspected on February 23, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.