Green Hill Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Green Hill Pond Dam is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1881, this earth dam stands at a height of 24.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 229 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Hermitage Brook, has a hazard potential classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2015 was deemed satisfactory.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, the Green Hill Pond Dam is regulated and permitted by the state, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's purpose for recreation is further enhanced by its surface area of 28.3 acres and a drainage area of 0.22 square miles. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not explicitly stated, suggesting potential areas for improvement to mitigate any hazards that may arise in the future.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Green Hill Pond Dam to be a fascinating structure that not only provides recreational opportunities but also presents challenges in terms of risk management and safety. With a long history dating back to the 19th century, this dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to ensure the well-being of surrounding communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1881

Dam Length

352

Dam Height

24.5

River Or Stream

HERMATIGE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.3

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.22

Nid Storage

445

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
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.