Pratts Pond Dam

BIG BUMMET BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 12 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pratts Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. 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	12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA)
Dam Length	139 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	30 acre-ft
Normal Storage	20 acre-ft

Surface Area	4 acres
Drainage Area	5 sq mi
NID ID	MA00581

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: May 11, 2016

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

JAMES & MARK MCCORMACK

Private

Nearby Dams

Hayes Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Windle Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 10 ft

Hovey Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

High Hazard 23 ft

Irish Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Lake Ripple Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 15 ft

Stringer Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Dorothy Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Farm Pond Dam

Worcester, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pratts Pond Dam?

Pratts 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 Pratts Pond Dam?

Pratts Pond Dam is owned by JAMES & MARK MCCORMACK (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Pratts Pond Dam?

Pratts 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 Pratts Pond Dam?

Pratts 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 Pratts Pond Dam last inspected?

Pratts Pond Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2016. 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.