Sylvia Place Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Elm Street Dam Sealund Reservoir Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Sylvia Place Pond Dam, located in Kingston, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 18 feet, serves as a fish and wildlife pond on a tributary of Furnace Brook. With a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.6 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
Despite its important function, Sylvia Place Pond Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in September 2015 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting a moderate risk assessment. With an inspection frequency of 5 years, it is crucial that the necessary risk management measures are put in place to address any potential vulnerabilities and ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for the surrounding environment and communities. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Sylvia Place Pond Dam to be a compelling case study in the maintenance and management of critical infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF FURNACE BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sylvia Place Pond Dam