Chimney Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF WELLINGTON BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1900· Masonry· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Chimney Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage77 acre-ft
Normal Storage31 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMA00675

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 18, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

Kesmo Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chimney Pond Dam?

Chimney Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Chimney Pond Dam?

Chimney Pond Dam is owned by Kesmo Sand & Gravel Co., Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chimney Pond Dam built?

Chimney Pond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Chimney Pond Dam?

Chimney 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 Chimney Pond Dam?

Chimney Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Chimney Pond Dam last inspected?

Chimney Pond Dam was last inspected on April 18, 2018. 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.