Woodbury Pond Dam in Sutton, Massachusetts, is a vital structure regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1900 for recreational purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 480 feet along Spring Brook. With a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, Woodbury Pond Dam undergoes regular inspections every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has a maximum storage capacity of 111 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. Its risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Woodbury Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a historic earth dam that continues to serve its recreational purpose while being subject to state regulation and inspection. As a significant feature in Worcester County, Massachusetts, this dam showcases the intersection of water management, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
13.6 |
Drainage Area |
6.4 |
Nid Storage |
111 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Blackstone River
|
84cfs |
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|
1240cfs |
Quinsigamond River At North Grafton
|
24cfs |
West River Below West Hill Dam
|
1cfs |
French River Below Dam
|
3cfs |
Little River Near Oxford
|
4cfs |