Lowes Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Oxford, Massachusetts, the Lowes Pond Dam stands as a crucial structure along the Mill Brook, a tributary of the French River.


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Summary

This private dam, primarily used for recreation, has a significant storage capacity of 172 acre-feet and a normal storage of 96 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 25 acres. With a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been deemed unsatisfactory in its condition assessment as of April 2018.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, the Lowes Pond Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and compliance. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam lacks an emergency action plan and updated contact information for emergency situations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is designed as an earth buttress structure with an unknown foundation type. The surrounding area of Worcester County offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and climate aficionados interested in water resource management and resilience in the face of changing climatic conditions.

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

MILL BROOK, TRIBUTARY OF FRENCH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

7.8

Nid Storage

172

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.