Swans Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Swans Pond Dam, located in Northbridge, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1848, this earth dam stands at a height of 11.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6.75 feet. With a storage capacity of 282 acre-feet, the dam spans 168 feet in length and covers a surface area of 33.7 acres.

Overlooking a tributary of the Mumford River, Swans Pond Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition and is inspected every five years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

While Swans Pond Dam provides essential irrigation support, it also offers recreational opportunities for the local area. Even though it lacks controlled spillways and outlet gates, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management in Worcester County. As climate change increasingly impacts water resources, maintaining and monitoring structures like Swans Pond Dam becomes crucial for adapting to changing conditions and ensuring the resilience of the region.

Year Completed

1848

Dam Length

168

Dam Height

11.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF MUMFORD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33.7

Hydraulic Height

6.75

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

282

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.