Stearns Millpond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Stearns Millpond Dam, located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is a masonry dam on the HOP BROOK that serves multiple purposes, including flood control and recreation.
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Summary
With a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 7 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 191 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 128 acre-feet. The dam covers a surface area of 19.2 acres and has a drainage area of 3.54 square miles.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Stearns Millpond Dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. The dam, which was last inspected in January 2018, has an inspection frequency of 5 years and falls under the jurisdiction of the state. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are currently no specific risk management measures in place.
Overall, Stearns Millpond Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, providing essential water resource management and flood control functions. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Stearns Millpond become increasingly important to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
HOP BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
19.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
3.54 |
Nid Storage |
191 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Stearns Millpond Dam
Seymour Street 1A, Concord