Windle Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pratts Pond Dam Irish Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Windle Pond Dam, located in Grafton, Massachusetts, is a privately owned earth dam that spans 140 feet in length and stands 10 feet tall.
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Summary
Acting as a barrier to the Big Bummer Brook, the dam's primary purpose is designated as "Other," with a capacity to store 18.5 acre-feet of water. Despite its modest size, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.
With a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Windle Pond Dam poses a moderate risk, according to the latest data available from an inspection conducted in February 2016. The dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status remains unprepared, raising concerns about its ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Despite its operational challenges, Windle Pond Dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the Worcester County area, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining and managing critical infrastructure like dams to mitigate risks and protect communities from potential hazards.
Dam Length |
140 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
BIG BUMMER BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.73 |
Hydraulic Height |
7.5 |
Drainage Area |
2.7 |
Nid Storage |
18.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Windle Pond Dam
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