Merino Pond Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO FRENCH RIVER· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 20 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Merino Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is water supply. 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	20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA)
Dam Length	285 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	880 acre-ft
Normal Storage	620 acre-ft

Surface Area	75 acres
Drainage Area	5 sq mi
NID ID	MA00110

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: November 30, 2015

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF DUDLEY, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Lower Merino Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 22 ft

Peter Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Larner Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Stocking Mill Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Wallis Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

North Village Pond

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 13 ft

Carpenter Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 8 ft

Perryville Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Merino Pond Dam?

Merino 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 Merino Pond Dam?

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

What is the primary purpose of Merino Pond Dam?

Merino Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Merino Pond Dam?

Merino Pond Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Merino Pond Dam last inspected?

Merino Pond Dam was last inspected on November 30, 2015. 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.