Alum Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF QUINEBAUG RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Alum Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam Length180 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.3K acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
NID IDMA00687

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 16, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF STURBRIDGE, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Old Mill Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

East Brimfield Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 53 ft

Cedar Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Mill Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Middle Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 14 ft

Walker Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Recreation Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 7 ft

Saw Mill Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Alum Pond Dam?

Alum Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Alum Pond Dam?

Alum Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF STURBRIDGE, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Alum Pond Dam?

Alum Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Alum Pond Dam?

Alum Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Alum Pond Dam last inspected?

Alum Pond Dam was last inspected on January 16, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.