Hovey Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Hovey Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 23 ft (taller than 76.3% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | MA02785 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Pratts Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 12 ftHayes Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftIrish Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftWindle Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftLake Ripple Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftStringer Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftDorothy Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftFarm Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hovey Pond Dam?
Hovey 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 Hovey Pond Dam?
Hovey Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hovey Pond Dam built?
Hovey Pond Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Hovey Pond Dam?
Hovey Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Hovey Pond Dam?
Hovey Pond Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Hovey Pond Dam last inspected?
Hovey Pond Dam was last inspected on May 31, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.