Coes Lower Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Coes Lower Pond Dam, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, was completed in 1865 and serves as a key recreational resource along Tatnuck Brook.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 4.2 acres for outdoor activities in the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2016. The inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, ensuring its ongoing safety and functionality. While the risk assessment deems the dam to have a moderate risk level, the lack of specific risk management measures or inundation maps prepared suggests room for improvement in emergency preparedness.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Coes Lower Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study in balancing the need for recreational amenities with the potential risks associated with dam infrastructure. As efforts continue to ensure its safety and resilience, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management in safeguarding our water resources and communities against potential hazards.

Year Completed

1865

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TATNUCK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

3.95

Nid Storage

58

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.