Leesville Pond Dam

KETTLE BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1830· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Leesville Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 48.8% in MA)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage415 acre-ft
Normal Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area31 sq mi
Year Completed1830 (196 years old)
NID IDMA00141

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: February 27, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF AUBURN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Leesville Pond Dam?

Leesville 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 Leesville Pond Dam?

Leesville Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF AUBURN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Leesville Pond Dam built?

Leesville Pond Dam was completed in 1830, making it 196 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 Leesville Pond Dam?

Leesville 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 Leesville Pond Dam?

Leesville Pond Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Leesville Pond Dam last inspected?

Leesville Pond Dam was last inspected on February 27, 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.