Wheeler Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Barefoot Brook Dam Brewer Brook Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Wheeler Pond Dam, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, of Earth type with a buttress core, stands at a height of 11 feet and has a hydraulic height of 8 feet. Situated on the North Brook, the dam has a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 28 acre-feet and a surface area of 0.02 acres. Despite its recreational focus, the dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, Wheeler Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and has not been modified in recent years, with its last inspection conducted in March 2017. The dam's hazard potential and condition assessment indicate a need for risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and the individuals who utilize the recreational opportunities provided by the dam.
With its location in the town of Berlin and its association with the New England District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wheeler Pond Dam represents both a potential for water resource utilization and a significant concern for potential risks. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental safety may find Wheeler Pond Dam to be a compelling case study for understanding the complexities of managing dams in diverse landscapes.
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.02 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
15.34 |
Nid Storage |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
11 |
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.
Wheeler Pond Dam
Bartlett Street 152, Northborough