New Pond Dam Dam
New Pond Dam
New Pond Dam in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that plays a crucial role in recreational activities in the area. The dam, primarily made of earth with a buttress core, stands at a height of 18 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet. It impounds the waters of Merino Brook, creating a surface area of 35 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 305 acre-feet. The dam, regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is designed for recreation and serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition, as assessed in April 2013. It undergoes inspection every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While there are no outlet gates or spillway width specified, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type indicates a passive overflow mechanism for excess water. The risk assessment for New Pond Dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined, suggesting ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the structure.
Located in Dudley, Massachusetts, New Pond Dam is not only a recreational asset but also a vital water resource management structure. With its role in providing recreational opportunities and its importance in flood control and water storage, the dam underscores the intersection of water resources and climate resilience efforts in the region. As stakeholders continue to prioritize safety and maintenance of this essential infrastructure, the dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intricate balance between human activities and natural ecosystems.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around New Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| French River At Webster | 7 cfs | → |
| Little River Near Oxford | 4 cfs | → |
| Quinebaug River At Quinebaug | 45 cfs | → |
| French River Below Dam | 3 cfs | → |
| French R At N Grosvenordale | 25 cfs | → |
| Quinebaug R Bl Westville Dam Nr Southbridge | 37 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near New Pond Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About New Pond Dam
Where does the data for New Pond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.