Carding Mill Pond Dam

HOP BROOK· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1930· Masonry· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Carding Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage150 acre-ft
Surface Area42 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDMA00742

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: Yes
Last Inspection: October 3, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF SUDBURY, CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carding Mill Pond Dam?

Carding Mill 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 Carding Mill Pond Dam?

Carding Mill Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF SUDBURY, CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carding Mill Pond Dam built?

Carding Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Carding Mill Pond Dam?

Carding Mill 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 Carding Mill Pond Dam?

Carding Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Carding Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Carding Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on October 3, 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.