West River Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

West River Pond Dam, located in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, is a privately owned dam on the West River that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam spans 185 feet in length and covers a surface area of 0.06 square miles, with a drainage area of 33.5 square miles.

Despite its age, West River Pond Dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, last inspected in June 2012. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating some potential for failure and the need for ongoing risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, West River Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic structure with recreational significance but also with potential safety concerns. Its location on the West River adds to its environmental importance, making it a focal point for conservation efforts and risk mitigation strategies. Monitoring and maintenance of this dam will be crucial to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and the preservation of its recreational value for future generations.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

185

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WEST RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.06

Hydraulic Height

13.5

Drainage Area

33.5

Nid Storage

600

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.