Dudley Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Douglas, Massachusetts, Dudley Pond Dam is a private-owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1917, this earth dam spans 171 feet in length and stands at a height of 5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 2.7 feet. The dam impounds Centerville Brook, creating a storage capacity of 39.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.51 acres.

Despite its age, Dudley Pond Dam is in poor condition and has a significant hazard potential, making it a cause for concern among water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement all being conducted by the state agency. The structure's last inspection was in September 2015, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years.

With its moderate risk assessment and significant hazard potential, Dudley Pond Dam presents a challenge for risk management and emergency preparedness. As a vital structure for recreation and water storage, efforts to improve its condition and reduce the risk of failure are essential to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and the preservation of the natural resources it impacts.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

171

Dam Height

5

River Or Stream

CENTERVILLE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.51

Hydraulic Height

2.7

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

39.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

5
       
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.