Swans Pond Dam, located in Northbridge, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Blackstone River At Northbridge
|
1240cfs |
West River Below West Hill Dam
|
1cfs |
Blackstone River
|
128cfs |
Quinsigamond River At North Grafton
|
16cfs |
French River Below Dam
|
3cfs |
Nipmuc River Near Harrisville
|
27cfs |