Morses Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Morses Pond Dam, located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, serves as a critical structure for managing water resources in the area.
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Summary
This masonry dam, standing at 12 feet high with a hydraulic height of 7.6 feet, plays a key role in maintaining a fish and wildlife pond for recreational activities. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition, as of the last inspection in December 2017.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Morses Pond Dam is essential for managing water flow from Bogle Brook to Waban Brook. With a normal storage capacity of 420 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 2300 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 0.17 square miles and has a drainage area of 9.1 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and meets state regulatory standards for operation and enforcement.
While the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its construction, it is important to note the moderate risk assessment associated with its operation. With a designated emergency action plan and designated emergency contacts, Morses Pond Dam is prepared to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community in the event of an emergency. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the management of Morses Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in balancing ecological conservation with recreational uses and public safety.
Dam Length |
57 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BOGLE BROOK TO WABAN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
0.17 |
Hydraulic Height |
7.6 |
Drainage Area |
9.1 |
Nid Storage |
2300 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Morses Pond Dam
College Road Wellesley