Patch Pond Dam in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a locally owned masonry dam that regulates water flow on Tatnuck Brook.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 12 feet and a hydraulic height of 5 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.82 acres. Although the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The primary purpose of Patch Pond Dam is listed as "Other," with the dam serving various purposes beyond flood control or water supply. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates or associated structures. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks an emergency action plan. The last inspection in April 2019 noted the dam's condition as unsatisfactory, indicating a need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the area.
Located in Worcester County, Patch Pond Dam is situated within the New England District and falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency. With a notable hazard potential, the dam poses risks that require careful monitoring and adherence to inspection and enforcement protocols. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams will find Patch Pond Dam to be a compelling case study in the ongoing challenges of balancing water management needs with environmental and public safety concerns.
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
TATNUCK BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
4.82 |
Hydraulic Height |
5 |
Drainage Area |
9.9 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |