Cedar Swamp Pond Dam

CHARLES RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1939· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cedar Swamp Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. 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 Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage720 acre-ft
Normal Storage400 acre-ft
Surface Area80 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
NID IDMA00628

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: July 11, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF MILFORD, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cedar Swamp Pond Dam?

Cedar Swamp 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 Cedar Swamp Pond Dam?

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

When was Cedar Swamp Pond Dam built?

Cedar Swamp Pond Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Cedar Swamp Pond Dam?

Cedar Swamp 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 Cedar Swamp Pond Dam?

Cedar Swamp 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 Cedar Swamp Pond Dam last inspected?

Cedar Swamp Pond Dam was last inspected on July 11, 2016. 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.