Norcross Pond #2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Norcross Pond #2 Dam, located in Wales, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1953, is an Earth-type dam with a height of 18.5 feet and a hydraulic height of 12.4 feet. It has a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 43 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 0.01 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of July 2009 was rated as poor, indicating that there may be maintenance or structural issues that need attention. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring that it meets safety standards and remains in compliance with state regulations. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the condition of Norcross Pond #2 Dam and advocate for any necessary risk management measures to maintain its safety and integrity for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

VINICA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.01

Hydraulic Height

12.4

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

86

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
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.