Linwood Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Linwood Pond Dam, located in Northbridge, Massachusetts, was completed in 1865 and serves as a recreational structure along the Mumford River.


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Summary

This private-owned Earth dam stands at a height of 17.5 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13 feet, providing a storage capacity of 517 acre-feet. The dam has a surface area of 48.7 acres and a drainage area of 50.5 acres, making it an important feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Worcester County area.

Despite its age, the Linwood Pond Dam is in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards. Overall, the Linwood Pond Dam presents an interesting case study for those interested in water resource management and dam safety in the region.

Year Completed

1865

Dam Length

1036

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

MUMFORD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48.7

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

50.5

Nid Storage

517

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.