Putnam Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Welsh Pond Dam Schoolhouse Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Putnam Pond Dam, located in Sutton, Massachusetts, is a gravity dam that stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 7.5 feet.
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Summary
It was built to control Singletary Brook and has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The dam has a surface area of 8 acres and a drainage area of 1.52 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam is rated as poor, indicating the need for maintenance and repairs.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The primary purpose of Putnam Pond Dam is listed as "Other," with its primary dam type being gravity. Although the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, with a score of 3, there is no detailed risk management plan in place. The last inspection of the dam took place in April 2018, with a recommended frequency of inspections every 5 years.
As a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Worcester County, Putnam Pond Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water supply for the surrounding area. With its uncontrolled spillway type and poor condition assessment, there is an urgent need for comprehensive risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam in the face of changing climate conditions and potential extreme weather events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should monitor the ongoing maintenance and inspection efforts of Putnam Pond Dam to ensure its resilience and effectiveness in the future.
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SINGLETARY BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
7.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.52 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Blackstone River
|
128cfs |
French River Below Dam
|
3cfs |
Little River Near Oxford
|
4cfs |
Quinsigamond River At North Grafton
|
16cfs |
Blackstone River At Northbridge
|
1240cfs |
French River At Webster
|
7cfs |
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.
Putnam Pond Dam
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