Whitney Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Wampanoag Dam Hobbys Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Whitney Pond Dam, located in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, is a concrete structure built on the Whitman River for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam has a height of 18 feet and a hydraulic height of 14 feet, with a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is state-regulated and inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure public safety.
The dam, with a length of 350 feet, serves as a popular recreation spot in Worcester County, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Despite its poor condition, efforts are being made to manage the risks associated with the dam through regular inspections and assessments. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway and the dam's location on the Whitman River highlight the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to prevent potential hazards and ensure the safety of nearby communities.
With its significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Whitney Pond Dam represents a critical infrastructure in Massachusetts that requires ongoing attention and maintenance. The dam's association with the Whitman River and its recreational purpose underscore the importance of balancing water resource management with public safety considerations in the face of changing climate patterns and water availability. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is crucial to monitor and support efforts to sustainably manage dams like Whitney Pond while safeguarding the environment and communities they serve.
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
WHITMAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
51 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
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