Browning Pond Dam

SEVENMILE RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Browning 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 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA)
Dam Length503 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage264 acre-ft
Normal Storage176 acre-ft
Surface Area89 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
NID IDMA00695

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: May 29, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

UNKNOWN

Private

Nearby Dams

Lac Marie Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Buck Hill Conservation Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Thompson Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 25 ft

Eames Mill Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Sugden Reservoir Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 34 ft

Brooks Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 16 ft

Dean Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Kittredge Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Browning Pond Dam?

Browning 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 Browning Pond Dam?

Browning Pond Dam is owned by UNKNOWN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Browning Pond Dam?

Browning 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 Browning Pond Dam?

Browning Pond Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Browning Pond Dam last inspected?

Browning Pond Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2015. 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.