Willett Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Willett Pond Dam, located in Norwood, Massachusetts, was completed in 1913 and serves as a recreational structure along the Bubbling Brook river.


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Summary

Standing at 25 feet high with a length of 900 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, requiring regular inspections to ensure public safety.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Willett Pond Dam is state-regulated and inspected, with enforcement measures in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and its hazard potential is considered moderate, resulting in a risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam's condition is listed as poor, efforts are likely underway to address any necessary repairs or improvements to mitigate potential risks associated with its aging infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Willett Pond Dam presents a unique case study in the management and maintenance of historic earth dams. With its notable design and location, the dam provides a valuable recreational resource while also posing challenges in ensuring its structural integrity and public safety. Ongoing monitoring and risk management measures will be crucial in preserving the dam's functionality and preventing potential hazards in the future.

Year Completed

1913

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

BUBBLING BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

240

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

4.8

Nid Storage

2500

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.