Rice City Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Rice City Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 21 ft (taller than 72.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 176 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Drainage Area | 147 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00935 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Whitin Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftWest Hill Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 48 ftWest River Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftCaprons Pond Dam, Canal and Gates
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 17 ftRivulet Village Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 16 ftLinwood Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 18 ftRiverdale Mills
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftRiley Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 5 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rice City Pond Dam?
Rice City 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 Rice City Pond Dam?
Rice City Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rice City Pond Dam built?
Rice City Pond Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Rice City Pond Dam?
Rice City Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rice City Pond Dam?
Rice City Pond Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Rice City Pond Dam last inspected?
Rice City Pond Dam was last inspected on April 19, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.