Bloods Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Grist Mill Dam Chicken Brook Dam
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Bloods Pond Dam, located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, serves the primary purpose of irrigation while also providing recreational opportunities.
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Summary
Built in 2004, this earth dam stands at 12 feet high and spans a length of 360 feet, with a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet. The dam regulates Cold Spring Brook, a tributary to the Sudbury River, and is under state regulation by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain safety standards.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of July 2017, Bloods Pond Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a hydraulic height of 9 feet, covering a surface area of 6.5 acres within a drainage area of 3.8 square miles. Despite its fair condition, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unspecified, raising potential concerns for its long-term safety and preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bloods Pond Dam presents a unique case study of a locally owned and state-regulated structure that plays a crucial role in water management and recreation in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Bloods Pond Dam becomes increasingly vital to protect communities and ecosystems downstream. Continued monitoring, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness will be key in safeguarding this essential infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
2004 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
COLD SPRING BROOK (TRIBUTARY TO SUDBURY RIVER) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
3.8 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Bloods Pond Dam
Ashland State Park Boat Launch