Sutton Falls Dam

DARK BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Earth· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sutton Falls Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 63.9% in MA)
Dam Length70 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage136 acre-ft
Normal Storage85 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
NID IDMA00956

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 23, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

SFCA, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

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Summit Pond Dam

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Manchaug Pond Dam

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Stump Pond Dam

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Arnold Pond Dam

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Town Farm Pond Dam

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Adams Pond Dam

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Upper Tucker Pond South Dam

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Significant Hazard 22 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sutton Falls Dam?

Sutton Falls Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sutton Falls Dam?

Sutton Falls Dam is owned by SFCA, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Sutton Falls Dam?

Sutton Falls 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 Sutton Falls Dam?

Sutton Falls Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Sutton Falls Dam last inspected?

Sutton Falls Dam was last inspected on May 23, 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.