Marble Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Marble Pond Dam in Worcester, Massachusetts, stands as a gravity dam along the South Branch of Souhegan River, completed in 1985 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring state jurisdiction and permitting. With a height of 10 feet and a storage capacity of 70.4 acre-feet, the dam boasts a low hazard potential, fair condition assessment, and a moderate risk level.

Despite its modest size, Marble Pond Dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and regulating water flow along the river. The dam's design includes earth and gravity components with a buttress core type, offering stability and resilience to potential hydraulic impacts. Maintained and inspected by state authorities, the dam remains in a fair condition as of its last assessment in 2009, ensuring its continued safe operation for both recreation and environmental conservation purposes.

As a key feature in the Ashburnham area, Marble Pond Dam contributes to the local landscape and water resource management efforts. Its low hazard potential and moderate risk level indicate a manageable level of risk, supported by regular inspections and a fair condition assessment. With its completion in 1985, the dam continues to serve as a testament to responsible infrastructure development in balancing human needs with environmental preservation in the region.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SOUTH BRANCH OF SOUHEGAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

17.6

Hydraulic Height

9.5

Drainage Area

1.74

Nid Storage

70.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.