Mcavoy Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Mcavoy Pond Dam, located in Wendell, Massachusetts, serves as a vital structure for recreational purposes, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 175 acre-feet. The dam stretches 150 feet in length, creating a surface area of 33 acres and draining an area of 2.9 square miles.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Mcavoy Pond Dam remains under state regulatory oversight by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The dam's spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, highlighting the need for diligent maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental conservation. With a moderate risk assessment rating, ongoing risk management measures are essential to address potential issues and safeguard the surrounding community.

As a private-owned structure, Mcavoy Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and sustaining the local ecosystem. With its close association with the Sawmill River tributary, this dam represents a key component of Massachusetts' water infrastructure and highlights the interconnectedness of human activities with natural systems. Enthusiasts in the water resource and climate fields can appreciate the complexities of managing and maintaining such structures in harmony with the environment.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF SAWMILL RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

175

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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.