Mill Pond Dam

SUDBURY RIVER· Middlesex, Massachusetts· Built 1988· Gravity· 14 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 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 14 ft (taller than 45.2% in MA)
Dam Length330 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage128 acre-ft
Normal Storage85 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area34 sq mi
Year Completed1988 (38 years old)
NID IDMA00436

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: October 3, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF ASHLAND

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond Dam?

Mill 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 Mill Pond Dam?

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

When was Mill Pond Dam built?

Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill 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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on October 3, 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.