Patch Pond Dam

TATNUCK BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Masonry· 12 ft tall

High Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Patch Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is other. 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	12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length	120 ft
Dam Type	Masonry
Max Storage	60 acre-ft
Normal Storage	24 acre-ft

Surface Area	5 acres
Drainage Area	10 sq mi
NID ID	MA03341

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 9, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

City of Worcester, Conservation Commission

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Patch Reservoir Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 9 ft

Smith Mill Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Coes Reservoir Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 21 ft

Coes Lower Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Parsons Reservoir Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Cook's Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 15 ft

Curtis Ponds Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Lynde Brook Reservoir Dike

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 17 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Patch Pond Dam?

Patch 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 Patch Pond Dam?

Patch Pond Dam is owned by City of Worcester, Conservation Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Patch Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Patch Pond Dam?

Patch Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Patch Pond Dam last inspected?

Patch Pond Dam was last inspected on April 9, 2019. 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.