Goose Pond Dam
Goose Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1840. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Goose Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Goose Pond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Goose Pond Dam Maintenance District (local government). It impounds the Goose Pond Brook near Tyringham.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 285 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 225 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,280 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1840, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/12/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Berkshire |
| Nearest City | Tyringham |
| River/Stream | Goose Pond Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.27314, -73.20159 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 285 ft |
| Year Completed | 1840 (186 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,280 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,280 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,132 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 225 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 926 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Goose Pond Dam Maintenance District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00312 |
| Federal ID | MA00312 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |