Middle Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Middle Pond Dam, located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, is a local government-owned structure that plays a crucial role in water resource management.


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Summary

This buttress-type dam, standing at a height of 14 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, controls the flow of Hamant Brook and provides storage capacity of 50.8 acre-feet. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

While the dam's condition remains unrated, its risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Although the dam lacks an emergency action plan and inundation maps, its risk management measures are not explicitly defined in the data. With a history of no reported modifications or incidents, Middle Pond Dam serves as a critical infrastructure in managing water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Middle Pond Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam management and regulation. As a state-regulated structure in Worcester County, Massachusetts, the dam highlights the importance of maintaining water infrastructure in an environmentally sustainable manner. With a focus on risk assessment and management, Middle Pond Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and regulatory oversight in safeguarding communities and ecosystems.

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

HAMANT BROOK

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

50.8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.